While most artists play with fire on a metaphorical level, West Virginia University sculpture instructor Dylan Collins takes the phrase literally. He applies blacksmithing and welding to his studio work, including some of the pieces currently on display in the Laura Mesaros Gallery in WVU’s Creative Arts Center.

Collins will discuss his incendiary techniques, artistic inspiration, and his works in the ongoing “Match Cut” exhibition at a lecture at 5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24, in Bloch Hall, 220 Creative Arts Center.

“I’m fascinated by our collective need for classification and organization, especially as the desires and limitations of our organic bodies conflict with this quest for order,” said Collins, assistant professor and coordinator of the sculpture program in WVU’s School of Art and Design.

Collins uses fabrication techniques and meticulous craftsmanship to explore his conceptual interests, manipulating iconic objects and imagery from education, governmental and scientific institutions to draw attention to the impermanence of cultural authority.

The title of his exhibition, “Match Cut,” refers to a film editing technique where seamless transitions between scenes to draw together visual, metaphorical connections between objects and actions.

“I drew inspiration from this cinematic device, creating a series of cast and forged metal sculptures, mixed-media panel work, and manipulated found object pieces that are familiar, but imbued with surreal, dreamlike qualities,” Collins said.

“Match Cut” is in residence at the Laura Mesaros Gallery through Oct. 2. The gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday from 12 to 9:30 p.m. The lecture is free and open to the public, as is a visit to the gallery.

-WVU-

dw/09/11/15

CONTACT: David Welsh, WVU College of Creative Arts
304-293-3397; David.Welsh@mail.wvu.edu

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