SXU Art Gallery presents Edyta Stepien's "NonPhenomena" and "Fragments" Jan. 11 - Feb. 2

Saint Xavier University’s (SXU) Art Gallery presents two multi-channel video installations “NonPhenomena” and “Fragments” exhibit by Edyta Stepien from Monday, Jan. 11 to Tuesday, Feb. 2 in the SXU Gallery on the Chicago Campus, 3700 West 103rd Street. In an effort to introduce the artist to the community, there will also be an artist’s presentation and reception on Wednesday, Jan. 20 at 3:30 p.m.

Stepien is a multimedia artist and motion designer that lives and works in Chicago. Her artistic practice focuses on large scale video and sight specific installations. In her installations she is blurring the boundaries between what is natural and synthetic what is organic and mechanic – creating immersive environments. Whether it is a video installation, drawing installation or sculpture – it is about transforming the space the viewer enters. Stepien constantly explores new ways to retool spaces and provide unique experiences for the viewer.

The following is a statement from the artist which reflects her artwork for this exhibit:

“In my artistic practice, I explore ideas of urban landscape and our relationship to it. For this exhibition I present two video installations that extend on these ideas. In both pieces I blur the boundaries between what is synthetic and what is natural, what is real and what is constructed using the urban landscape and its elements as a canvas. NonPhenomena is a multi-channel video and sound installation comprised of miniature abstracted landscapes and fragmented spaces that were constructed out of natural and synthetic materials. These different environments undergo changes caused by simulated natural forces, like strong winds, storms, floods or earthquakes, encapsulating the viewer in the middle of the sequence. The sounds, melodies and textures composed by Margaret Noble are derived from the spectral analyses of pitches found in the field recordings of thunder, hurricanes and other natural phenomena.”

SXU’s Art Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday; noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday; and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. For more information, please visit SXU’s website.