EXP.POINTS

ONE OF THOSE DAYS:Donnie Henderson's oil on paper, "Rejection," taps into an emotion all of us have felt at one time or another. (Photo/Donnie Henderson).

LA GRANDE - Eastern Oregon University's Nightingale Gallery will present "EXP.points," the first of the 2007 Senior Capstone Exhibitions by EOU art majors. Included in this exhibition are Cody Bloom, Donnie Henderson and Caitlin Mack.

A gala opening is planned to begin at 7 p.m. Saturday. The exhibition runs through April 20. The works in "EXP.points" consist of paintings, drawing, video installation, photographs and sculptural works.

The complexity of human behavior and thought is the inspiration behind Bloom's work. He combines ink, charcoal, paint and graphite to produce drawings and paintings that deal with ideas based in psychological and evolutionary theory. Bloom explores human behavior as understood in these scientific theories by focusing on his subject's head and facial features — the center for both thought and communication. He links the figurative elements with his ideas about human behavior through combinations of imagery and diagrams extracted from psychology. The interaction of the figure with psychological ideas creates a discussion analyzing and exploring human behavior.

Henderson first began his art career working in sculpture and ceramics. After struggling to express himself within these mediums, he turned to painting and drawing. He uses a variety of brushes and drawing materials while creating a dynamic surface through the layering of paint and complex color.

During the last year Henderson has taken experiences from his own life to develop work exploring how our society teaches men to suppress their emotions. In his new work, he is using text and the figure to explore the dichotomy between expressed and repressed emotions. He is focusing on the conversation within the piece while still leaving the work to the viewer's interpretation.

Mack's work, meanwhile, explores the process of externalizing her experiences of shame and guilt, while thinking about the way girls are taught to be proper, moral women.

Mack is also interested in the interplay between exposing her vulnerabilities and allowing the viewer to experience their own. She is working to challenge social norms by uncovering what has been deemed inappropriate by our culture as a whole. Mack is fascinated by the exchange of trust and power in sadomasochistic relationships. She intertwines all of these ideas using high-contrast black and white photographs, video and ceramic sculpture.

Nightingale Gallery is in Loso Hall, at the corner of Sixth Street and K Avenue. The gallery is open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information call 962-3667 or go to www.eou.edu/art/nightingale/NightingaleGallery.htm.