ST. LOUIS, MO – Sophomore Janelle Naumann was selected to represent Blackburn College at Varsity Art 28 presented by Art Saint Louis.
Naumann, a member of the women's soccer team, is one of 39 students representing 21 universities and colleges from Missouri and Illinois in the 28th annual invitational exhibition. She is joined by Sydney Bray as representatives from Blackburn.
In her artist statement, Naumann says, "I created this artwork from found objects to express my journey of self-discovery amid life's challenges. The rustic paint and graffiti symbolize resilience in the face of hardships. The piece conveys the societal misconception that deviating from the norm is wrong. It emphasizes the pressure to conform, suggesting that individuality is often overshadowed by an expectation for everyone to think and act like robots."
"Janelle has made great use of our new advanced studio space in Olin. Her quiet persistence imbues the pieces she works on with a lot of personality," said Craig Newsom, the Enid Pegram Endowed Chair for the Blackburn Department of Art. "They seem to be little characters acting out situations in a much larger narrative. Her work stands out in the current Art Saint Louis Exhibition because of the sense of engagement. Many people stopped to lean in and get a closer look. Upon closer inspection, one realizes the intricacy and invention involved."
A consistent starter on the soccer team, she has made 32 starts over her career and boasts two assists.
The show is presented March 1-28, 2024. The Art Saint Louis Gallery is free & open to the public six days a week: Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-4 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m.-3 p.m. The show is also being presented concurrently with the in-Gallery virtual exhibit and can seen HERE.