An exhibition created by Salem State Honors Student, Marisa Orlando.
“When the nationwide lockdown happened in 2020 I found myself struggling to find a space of my own. With five adult family members forced to stay in the house 24/7 I was starting to feel suffocated. This was the first time I felt the inspiration to take an otherwise unused space and turn it into an oasis of sorts, a place where I could go and feel like it was my own. So, I took string lights, posters, blankets, anything I could find and converted my basement into what I called The Kelp Shack. I would attend zoom classes down there, I would do art down there, I would relax down there, it became my own private cave cut off from the chaos of the pandemic that was happening outside. This is where I attended my form and design class with my mentor Professor Ken Reker who saw my ability to control the environment around me to create immersive art pieces that envelope the viewer in new and exciting ways. With his help, this current project is one that Salem State University has never seen done before. My creative process has included found object assemblage, collage, experimenting with lights and mirrors, and taking small scale camp crafts and blowing them up to giant scales to immerse the viewer in an oddly familiar yet new and exciting environment that’s ambiguity allows for multiple interpretations.” – Marisa Orlando
Additional Events
May 1, 12:30, Artist Talk
May 1, 1:30-3:00 PM, Reception
May 8, 12:00-1:00 PM, Gallery Discussion
About the Artist:
“Growing up in Gloucester, Massachusetts I always found myself surrounded by a deep cultural connection to the arts. I had a passion for theater at a young age and up until my freshman year of college I was determined that was what I was going to do with my life. I loved the idea of being able to transport an audience into a different world and it only took a global pandemic and multiple mental health struggles to finally understand that the best way for me to accomplish this goal was through my love for 3D art and mixed media. I decided to change my major after freshman year to Art with a concentration in 3D Art and Sculpture and have been so thrilled to continue my craft here at Salem State. By exploring multiple mediums including ceramics, printmaking, and painting, I have been able to combine all of these art making processes to really discover my creative passions and I eventually hope to become an elementary school art teacher to share these passions with a younger generation. The freedom within the Salem State Art Department has been wonderful in allowing me to explore my inner creativity and has really led me on a great path going forward.”
https://www.facebook.com/events/1152297559265527/