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As this term at SOU comes to a close, so does the showing of our Fall Exhibitions, “Modern Language: Jason Stopa” and “Angel of History”. As your author and exhibition interpreter, I would like to start a tradition of reflecting on each exhibition as it nears its end. Each show is different because each artist has a different vision for their work and how it will be displayed or placed in association with other like-minded artists. So, there will always be new ideas brought forth by these exhibitions, and I am incredibly grateful to have an institution on my campus that encourages this level of deep thought and artistic inspiration.
In considering Jason Stopa’s vision for “Modern Language” and “Angel of History”, the word that immediately comes to mind is environment. Firstly, for the literal environment that Stopa creates in his work and in the mural that holds it, as well as the deep abstract worlds created by the artists in “Angel of History”. Most, if not all, of these artists have these interesting individual worlds that they create within their work, whether they are based in reality or not. Though Lauren Luloff’s East Coast floral landscapes and Julia Rommel’s glacial Iceberg are inspired by natural formations, what they have in common with something like the fantastical, shadowy aura of Kamrooz Aram’s Angelus Novus: Renegotiated is that all of these pieces evoke some sort of environment that we as viewers get to live in for a time. Jason Stopa, on the other hand, focuses on the utopian abstract life within his own work, inspired by other shape players like Frank Stella, Bob Thompson, and Henri Matisse. To aid this environment, we painted a mural on our Main Gallery walls that immerses visitors in Jason Stopa's vivid utopia.
However, the environment in which this art is being created is another important factor to consider. Undeniably, we live in a time where production and consumption are valued over much else. We do now, and we have before. The act of creating art is a rebellion in itself, in a time where art is being defunded and pushed out of view in favor of violence and division. Jason Stopa creates art in that world, like Bob Thompson did, as African American men expressing themselves through art. Like Lauren Luloff, Cheryl Donegan, and Julia Rommel do now, as women in the art world. It is something that all artists, especially ones focused on the abstract, have in common. The desire to create something that evokes feelings, that allows them to pursue or express things that are too big for words, and too radical for an oppressive society. Though abstract art may not appear to have meaning on its face, the discussion surrounding it and its history is full of meaning. I hope that experiencing this part of Jason Stopa's creative vision brought meaning to you about abstract art, or even just art in general.
Thank you for visiting the Schneider Museum of Art. We would love to see you at our upcoming exhibition, "Pursuit of Happiness", featuring work from SOU Faculty members. "Pursuit of Happiness" will be on view from January 29th--March 14th, 2026.
See you next year!
--Jamie
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