It began with a suggestion from Susan Meyer, a lecturer in the School of Art and Art History. Kimberly Carbonari, a junior majoring in studio art, decided to solicit a collaboration with Brandon Finamore, a junior from Golden majoring in studio art, which has culminated in a joint exhibition titled “Everything Discovered.”
“We were in a lot of the same classes and I ended up really liking his aesthetic,” said Carbonari.
Opening last Thursday at the student art space, Schwayder 023 Gallery, “Everything Discovered” showcased a collection of paintings and drawings in a variety of media along with sculptural pieces by both artists. The intimate space, which is traditionally used for students to practice holding their own public exhibits, was divided into halves: one section devoted to Carbonari’s artwork and the other to Finamore’s, creating a bisection that juxtaposed the artists’ talents and styles.
As well as showcasing the best of their work, this first exhibit accomplished a practical goal for Finamore and Carbonari.
“We’re coming up on our senior year, and we’re going to have to complete a practicum which involves doing this all over again,” said Finamore. “So this exhibit was kind of a dry-run for that.”
Together, these ambitious students tackled the project with impressive work ethic and initiative. Receiving no financial aid from the art department, every penny came from their pockets. Each paid for the matting and framing of their pieces, a pricey endeavor considering their artworks’ large canvas sizes reaching 36’’ by 45’’ in dimensions. One frame alone cost Finamore $800.
But Finamore and Carbonari went beyond expectations by coming in to patch up the gallery’s walls, paint the floor, fix the ceiling tiles and remove nails and stray paint.
“Everything is new,” said Finamore.
Although they had applied for a $500 grant, the funds were awarded to other students. In addition to coming up with funds, the pair performed the exhibit’s labor aspect without assistance.
“Unlike in a tradition exhibit where there’s a gallery crew to help you set up, Brandon and I did everything ourselves,” said Carbonari.
Finamore described the time consuming process.
“The very first thing we did was come in here and take a look at the space and measure it,” said Finamore. “Then the second-and the longest-step, was framing. It took six months to prep and four weeks to physically arrange everything.”
In the end, not only did Finamore and Carbonari succeed in creating a professional gallery for their own exhibit, they left behind a new and improved space for future student artists to display their work, performing a service not only to themselves but to others.
For Finamore and Carbonari, the exhibit was a culmination of their three years here at DU, a time period during which both artists have discovered and expanded their creative talents.
“I took art throughout high school,” said Finamore. “But a lot of what they teach you is technical not conceptual so I got to explore that aspect of art-making here at DU.”
Finamore’s definitive motif places animals within surrealistic situations. One painting titled “Lifted” featured a fox being hoisted from a small patch of rootless earth by tiny birds pulling at strings attached to the animal’s body.
In contrast to Finamore, Carbonari is self-taught and still developing her aesthetic. For Carbonari, this exhibit fueled a renewed vision.
“I wanted to further figure myself out as an artist,” she said.
One of Carbonari’s principal motifs is ‘layering’ exemplified by one of her acrylic paintings titled “Can You See Me” featuring a smirking woman’s face with the outlines of flowers and a butterfly painted on top of her visage, creating multiple ‘layers’ within the picture.
“Everything Discovered” will run until May 21, open daily from 12-6 p.m. To preview Finamore and Carbonari’s work and to learn more about these student artists, visit brandonfinamoreart.com and kimberlycarbonari.com.
