Installation of Page’s “Flow Chart” Exhibit Becomes Learning Opportunity for Students
When Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Assistant Professor of Ceramics Joe Page began the installation of his current art exhibit, “Flow Chart,” at the William and Florence Schmidt Art Center on Southwestern Illinois College’s Belleville campus, he turned the installation process into a learning opportunity for his students. Not only did his student assistants have the opportunity to install a professional art exhibit, but they also had the autonomy to decide how specific aspects of Page’s work should be displayed.
“Flow Chart” is a series of sprawling, immersive landscapes derived from video games, pinball machines, mass transit maps and schematic diagrams. Each piece combines sculptural and two-dimensional elements, including porcelain, vinyl, paint, particle board and other mixed media, while following specific design principles.
“The most rewarding part of the experience is getting to see assistants make choices within the aesthetic of the work: the contour of a cloud on the wall, the direction of a blue line migrating across the floor,” explained Page, who has been working on the “Flow Chart” series for several years. “No installation is the same because each space and each assistant working inside of it are never the same. They become teachers themselves, showing other assistants how to engage with the process of making the work.”
With the help of numerous student volunteers and gallery staff, Page’s exhibit took five days and more than 250 collective hours of labor to install. The team followed formal guidelines, but some aspects of each piece’s composition were left to the assistants to decide.
SIUE graduate student Scott Stuhldreher has helped Page install three of his “Flow Chart” exhibits, gaining new experiences each time. Stuhldreher first met page during one of these installations prior to becoming one of his students. Now, the installations serve as both a learning opportunity for Stuhldreher and a way to get to know his professor.
“Joe’s work changes and adapts to the constraints of the space, creating interesting moments within each installation,” said Stuhldreher. “At first, it was intimidating to be given the autonomy with parts of his work. After a while, you start to get into a groove with his help and guidance and you become confident with his system. Having these opportunities to help Joe and seeing how he takes full advantage of the space has pushed my work and myself further.”
Page’s “Flow Chart” exhibition is on display now through Feb. 20 at the Schmidt Art Center. Visit swic.edu/theschmidt for details.
Photos: "Flow Chart" art exhibit created by Assistant Professor of Ceramics Joe Page.
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