PTSD is known as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, but for senior anthropology student Kreneshia Whiteside, the “S” in PTSD means something quite different.

“The ‘S’ stands for System,” Whiteside said.

“PTSD: Post Traumatic System Disorder,” is the name for Whiteside’s first curated art exhibit.

“In this show I want to focus on the American system and how it brings out stress and how some people showcase that,” she said.

Whiteside came up with the idea after hearing someone speak on how the American system affects African Americans. However, Whiteside decided to expand her exhibit to focus on how the American system affects all Americans.

“The art featured in this show has subject matter that addresses the emotional and mental responses to the American system dealing with the hidden truths involved,” Whiteside said.

The exhibit features 12 pieces from six different artists and are grouped into three categories: the period of enlightenment, the stage of processing and the behavioral outcome. The subject matter has no limit and includes responses to sexual, racial and economic inequality along with greed, violence and other injustice issues taking place across the country.

Pieces range from photography, painting, digital art, sculpture and more.

The six artists featured in the exhibit are undergraduate ETSU art student, Hannah Justis, graduate master’s of fine art student, Benjamin Moten, and local artists Kelsie Dulaney, Reggie Jenkins, Shalam Minter and Larry Thacker.

This exhibit falls in line with what Whiteside wants to do upon graduating from ETSU in May.

Senior anthropology major, Kreneshia Whiteside hopes to continue curating exhibits of contemporary art after graduation. (Contributed)

Senior anthropology major Kreneshia Whiteside hopes to continue curating exhibits of contemporary art after graduation. (Contributed)

“I really want to focus on contemporary art in my own gallery, because that is the art of now,” Whiteside said. “If I promote and support the art my generation is making now, I’m helping create the next Picasso. That is my goal.”

The exhibit runs from now until April 29 at the Nelson Fine Art Center with the reception taking place from 6-8 p.m. April 16. The exhibit is free and open to the public and sponsored by the ETSU Department of Art and Design’s Art History Program and the Slocumb Galleries Internship Program.

A few of the artists will be present at the reception to talk about their work and some of the pieces on display are for sale.

For more information, contact Karlota Contreras-Koterbay at 439-4291. 

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  • Jordan Hensley

    Jordan Hensley is a senior journalism major with a minor in creative writing. In addition to her work at the East Tennessean as the 2016 News Editor, she serves as an Admissions Ambassador and Diversity Educator. If you don’t see her jamming out at a concert, you’re sure to hear her listening to her favorite artists, Taylor Swift or The 1975.

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