The work of internationally renowned fiber artist Arturo Alonzo Sandoval is currently on display at the Leu Gallery.
His techniques result in large-scale, never-before-seen weavings made from a variety of materials such as strips of photo negatives, paint, mylar, plastic, vinyl and ribbons. While some of his pieces are simply abstract, others form iconographic images and carry a political, emotional message.
To fully understand the complexity of Sandoval’s original craft, it is necessary to stand close to the piece and to examine each element. His work is on display to show students an alternative side of art, a side that was not seriously considered before his efforts. His goal is to explore “issues related to international and domestic politics, terrorism, the total nuclear threat, the cosmic realms, and personal spiritual beliefs.”
Last May, Sandoval presented his work at a convocation and then allowed students to participate in creating a smaller-scale version of his work. Each student had the freedom to decide where each color strip of fabric should go. His visit was just a glimpse of what is to come later this spring. For at least one week, classes in the art building will be suspended in order to learn from the fiber artist. The master plan is still being finalized, but the end result will be the creation of a college-wide project that represents the array of ideas and attitudes of Belmont students.
The exhibit runs through March 18.