By Hannah Matriccino; Photo Credits to Hannah Matriccino
Susquehanna University’s Lore Degenstein Gallery welcomed students, staff, and featured artists to the “Wasted” exhibition’s opening reception on Saturday, Sept. 5 at 7 p.m.
The artworks depict the theme of overconsumption and waste, along with the underlying systems driving this pressing issue.
Three of the artists presented their projects at the reception. Sto Len showcased artwork from his time as the Public Artist in Residence for the New York City Department of Sanitation. Len said he wanted to bring visibility to the department’s operations. His display incorporates various screen prints and a segment of archival footage.
According to Len, he made the prints from the sanitation department’s recycled designs in an abandoned industrial screen-printing studio and the 10-minute segment of film from over 500 hours of the department’s recordings, some of which date back to 1903.
Artists Wendy DesChene and Jeff Schmuki co-founded PlantBot Genetics Inc., which aims to generate conversation about environmental and agricultural issues through their creations. They also explained their exhibit, which consisted of plant robots that sing and dance.
“A great way to speak about something that is serious and affects us all is using humor because humor puts us at ease. It relaxes us, and we find we have more authentic discussions after someone has some fun,” said Schmuki.
The pair also revealed that they created the robots from natural and artificial plant materials, along with recycled animatronic toys.
In their closing remarks, DesChene and Schmuki urged listeners to support pollinators by planting wildflowers, reminding the audience of the vital role they play in food production.
At the conclusion of the reception, Callie Lythgoe from the university’s Theatre Department hosted a presentation on how to thrift and care for clothing effectively outside of the gallery doors. A pop-up of the on-campus thrift store Hawk Stuff stood alongside Lythgoe.
“Wasted” is on exhibit from now until Friday, Oct. 16. Student-led tours will occur on Tuesday, Sept. 29, and Thursday, Oct. 1, at 12 p.m. Normal gallery hours are daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.