REEDLEY – Through a night of art, music and chatter amongst friends, Reedley College showed its colors as a vibrant cultural hub.
On Jan. 22, Reedley College’s River Art Gallery opened its newest exhibition, “Technicolor Mind,” featuring works from drawing and painting instructor Tracy Carrera. The exhibition features more than a dozen oil paintings that showcase striking colors, abstract visuals and a sense of childlike wonder.
Beyond being a fun way to spotlight her work, Carrera hopes the exhibit can show her students to be vulnerable enough to display their art.
“Any time an artist really shows themselves, you’re opening yourself up to be vulnerable, and what kind of teacher would I be if I wasn’t vulnerable,” Carrera said. “I tell my students that even if some people don’t get it, even if some people don’t understand or don’t even like it, that’s okay, because that’s true diversity.”
A unique feature of Carrera’s exhibit is the arrangement of toys and figurines beneath each painting, showing observers the real life objects that inspired, and are incorporated into, each work. Carrera explained that through her work, she wants to give viewers a playful sense of escapism.
The exhibition itself was organized by Reedley College students taking the art gallery class, and student Noah Cooper explained that after Carrera picked out the pieces she wanted showcased, the class took time to think about the colors and unifying concepts that could create a natural flow for gallery visitors.
“I feel so proud of my class, of Professor (Andrew) Turner and of everybody that was able to come together to make this happen, and I’m really grateful for everybody that came out,” Cooper said.
In a complete surprise organized by Carrera’s partner, local band Dying Suns, whose song “Technicolor Mind” is the namesake for the exhibition, arrived to perform a set of original songs and covers. They played the night away and lulled audiences into a trance through contemporary and classic psychedelic rock.
