The “Fragments of Memory” exhibit at Reece Museum takes viewers on an optical journey through various places and moments in artist Rebeca Calderón Pittman’s life.
She uses a “recombinant” style, an artistic expression combining drawings to create one image on canvas. These drawings reflect the memories she has experienced in places ranging from Antigua, Guatemala, to Cincinnati, Ohio.
“We spend part of the year in Guatemala, which is a land of eternal spring, flowers and volcanoes,” Calderón Pittman said. “The tropical sun and vegetation as well as the ruins of colonial buildings are reflected in these works.”
Beyond her own style, Calderón Pittman’s art can also be interactive. Hanging within the Museum, “Urban Archaeology” is a circular puzzle containing hundreds of pieces that can be reconfigured into another image.
“It is a revolutionary work for me, because one of my aspirations was to involve the viewer to participate in the recreation work … The goal behind this work is to engage with a viewer who is a multi-tasker of the 21st century, and has a short attention span and is not easily entertained or intrigued,” Calderón Pittman said.
Exhibition Coordinator Spenser Brenner spoke highly of Calderón Pittman’s work and looks forward to students getting the chance to experience it.
“I was really drawn to Rebeca Calderón Pittman’s just aesthetic,” Brenner said. “She’s never been in this area before, so we’re glad that we’re able to showcase it and bring something new to ETSU and Johnson City.”
Calderón Pittman also expressed her excitement for the exhibit to “bring a little piece of Guatemala to Tennessee.”
“When I went back to pursue my master’s in painting at SCAD a few years ago, it was with the intention of expanding my understanding of art and of this country but also of a deep desire to share my work with others,” Calderón Pittman said.
Brenner encourages all students to stop by, regardless of artistic knowledge or background.
“Sometimes you see the term ‘museum,’ [and] there’s a little bit of clout with that,” she said. “We try very, very hard to be a welcoming space. The rule is about every three to five weeks you can come into the museum, and you’ll see something new.”
“The Fragments of Memory” exhibit will be on display at Reece Museum through Sept. 20. To learn more about the artist, visit www.rebecapittman.com.
