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URI fall art exhibit examines the ‘Politics of Personality’

Presented in concert with fall Honors Colloquium, Democracy in Peril, in Lippitt Hall

Educator Deanna Camputaro creates work centered on multicultural understanding and respect and the rights of people of color. She will exhibit work in the ‘Politics of Personality’ fall art exhibit in Lippitt Hall, Oct. 1 through Dec. 12.

KINGSTON, R.I. – Sept. 30, 2024 – Twenty visual artists are coming to Kingston to present work on a timely theme, and depict a provocative topic this presidential election season — with a compelling art exhibit on ‘The Politics of Personality,’ Oct. 1 through Dec. 12 at the University of Rhode Island. The exhibit opens on Tuesday, Oct. 1 in Lippitt Hall, with an opening reception Thursday, Oct. 17, 4 to 5:30 p.m.

The exhibit is sponsored by URI’s Department of Art and Art History in conjunction with the Honors Program’s fall Colloquium, ‘Democracy in Peril,’ which brings notable speakers to campus on Tuesday nights this fall, including recent speakers: Zach Beauchamp of Vox and author Daniel Ziblatt (How Democracies Die).

“How does politics impact individuals?” says show coordinator Steven Pennell. “This exhibit will explore the hype and the reality of politics today.”

Cuban-born artist Raphael Díaz comes to URI with an international reputation and is passionate about issues of immigration reform and women’s rights. The opening reception for the fall art exhibit is Thursday, Oct. 17.

The Politics of Personality exhibit will share the perspectives of 20 artists developed in response to the show’s theme, examining the politics of personality encountered in today’s political landscape. The project will include thoughtful conversations inspired by the artists’ perspectives on a range of issues — from classism and corruption to racism and women’s rights.

Exhibiting artists include alumni Raphael Díaz and Zoey Stites with Deanna Camputaro, Ted DeLucia, Melanie Ducharme, Ana Flores, Susan Fossati, Susan Garland, Ricky Gagnon, Lois Harada, Monique Rolle-Johnson, Don Mays, Jordan Seaberry, Gershon Stark, Joel Rosario-Tapia, Anthony Tomaselli, Mark Wholey and Joy Williams.

The exhibit is free and open to the public and viewable Monday through Friday, including before the colloquium’s Tuesday night lectures.

The Hera Gallery, in nearby Wakefield, is also gathering thoughts on democracy from attendees at each week’s colloquium lecture for an upcoming exhibition on ‘Democracy Under Siege,’ which opens Oct. 12.

The Politics of Personality exhibit is located on the third and fourth floor lobbies of Lippitt Hall at URI, with elevator access; see here for visitor parking information. Contact 401-286-4620 or spennell@uri.edu for more information.