For four decades, the Positive/Negative Juried Art Exhibits have served as an annual platform for compelling works that explore contrast in form, concept, and emotion. This year, the exhibit continues its traditions of challenging perceptions, sparking thoughtful dialogue, and celebrating the dynamic interplay of art and today’s world.
The Positive/Negative Exhibit was established by a former gallery director with the initial goal of bringing the world to Appalachia while also showcasing Appalachia to the world. Since its initial creation, the exhibit has grown into a distinguished annual event filled with artists from across the country that are hand selected by nationally renowned jurors.
“Appalachia has historically been seen as geographically and culturally isolated, but that perception doesn’t reflect the reality,” said Karlota Contreras-Koterbay, gallery director of Slocumb Galleries. “This show provides an opportunity to demonstrate the diversity and depth of artistic talent in the region, while also bringing in innovative perspectives from around the country.”
The 40th anniversary edition of the exhibit, selected by this year’s juror Nandini Makrandi, Chief Curator from the Hunter Museum of American Art in Chattanooga, features an eclectic mix of artistic voices hailing all the way from New York to Alaska. Among the participating artists are Boo Bailey-Yon, a printmaker and the dean of the University of Tennessee’s School of Art, as well as fiber artists Lisa Klacholak and Lili Lee from Asheville. Other notable contributors include Virginia Derryberry and David Underwood, whose works add to the exhibit’s dynamic range.
While this exhibit offers a lot in terms of a diverse collection of works, one common thread between them all is the idea of exploring social commentary and the world around us. One of the exhibit’s standout sections, affectionately referred to as the “women’s gallery,” presents the audience with a compelling story that explores femininity and societal roles. This section features sculptures, fiber art, and paintings that subtly comment on the topics of gender, power and identity.
Beyond the social commentary, this year’s exhibit also looks to highlight formalism as well as technical innovation.
As the rise of AI-generated art continues to impact the artistic landscape, Positive Negative 40 looks to celebrate the enduring value of human creativity and craftsmanship.
“It’s really amazing how the homemade craft is still there, like the strength of the handmade combined with technology” said Contreras-Koterbay. “These are really real people, real artists with real concerns of the world.”
This exhibit proves to be more than just a showcase of artistic talent and expression as it encourages the audience to engage critically with the world around them.
“The role of art is not just to be seen, it’s to make people think,” said Contreras-Koterbay. “Whether viewers agree or disagree with the messages in these works, the exhibit creates a space for dialogue and contemplation.”
This year’s exhibition includes a juror’s lecture by Nandini Makrandi on March 12, with many featured artists in attendance. The exhibit is open to the public until March 12 in Slocumb Galleries with visiting hours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
