FHU Student Presents Pop Art Exhibition

Jillian Owens, Carthage, Tenn., presented her senior art exhibit “Textured Pop Art” Oct. 21-29 at the Troy Plunk Art Gallery of the Bulliner-Clayton Visual Arts Center at Freed-Hardeman University.

Despite stress from preparing for her show, Owens appreciates the opportunity to display her work at the school. “Having my senior show has almost made me feel like an ‘official’ artist. I think most artists at some point in their career feel that they aren’t quiet good enough and having my show has built my confidence,” said Owens. Senior art exhibitions are a graduation requirement for all studio art majors.

Owens’ show is descriptive of her unique take on a traditional art style. Having always been a fan of pop art, she decided to tweak customary style techniques by adding texture. Her works are done with oil paint and use a variety of brush sizes and strokes.

In keeping with tradition of pop art, Owens paints primarily celebrities. Her choice of subjects is based on personal taste and an attempt to keep her artwork fresh and interesting. “I paint whomever I feel like painting next. I try to mix it up some so that the viewer doesn’t get bored,” said Owens.

Pop art is founded in modern popular culture and mass media; it often makes use of bright colors and advertising images. It was first made popular in the 1950s and 60s by artists such as Andy Warhol and Jasper Johns.

Owens is a senior studio art and education major. She chose art as her major because of a longstanding love of drawing and painting and added the education major in order to secure work following graduation.

The FHU faculty was an instrumental factor in Owens’ success at Freed-Hardeman. “I love Freed- Hardeman and I am extremely grateful for all the faculty and staff who have helped me the past four years. I can’t really imagine what it would have been like if I had chosen to go to school somewhere else,” said Owens.

Owens is the daughter of James and Brenda Owens. While at Freed-Hardeman, she has been involved with Gamma Tau Omega, one of the university’s social clubs, and is currently serving as its public relations officer.

After graduation, Owens plans to teach art. She also hopes to continue painting in her spare time.