Darren Jones: Thunder Enlightening, Rituals Now/Then

Artist Reconsiders Cultural Conventions

Darren Jones: Thunder Enlightening - Rituals, Then/Now

Monday June 1 – Thursday July 17, 2015

Opening Reception – Thursday June 4, 5pm to 7pm

Seton Hall University welcomes acclaimed international artist,critic and curator, Darren Jones to the Walsh Gallery for his solo exhibition “Thunder Enlightening – Rituals, Then/Now.” The exhibition takes a look at the dramatic shift in the nature and practice of human rites over centuries, by juxtaposing ritualistic objects from contemporary secular society, with traditional theological motifs from the Seton Hall University Archives and Special Collections Center. Jones’ interdisciplinary practice often incorporates text and appropriated objects to subvert established meaning or draw attention to subtexts.

Notes Jones, “Ritual acts lend a sense of belonging and continuity through which we define ourselves. Through history these have included sporting and political events, wedding celebrations and religious holidays. Whether on a grand public scale or modest daily gestures, they anchor our sense of tribe and location, acting as a bulwark against individual uncertainty by bolstering the comfort we find in established cultural systems.” A native of Scotland, Jones has been exhibited extensively in group and solo exhibitions internationally. His writing has been published in ArtUS, Artforum.com, Artslant, The Brooklyn Rail, and Artcritical. He has organized exhibitions at venues primarily in the United States and Europe.

For 150 years, Seton Hall University has been a catalyst for leadership, developing the whole student mind, heart, and spirit. Seton Hall combines the resources of a large university with the personal attention of a small liberal arts college. Its attractive suburban campus is only 14 miles by train, bus, or car to New York City, with the wealth of employment, internship, cultural, and entertainment opportunities the city offers. Seton Hall is a Catholic university that embraces students of all races and religions, challenging each other to better the world with integrity, compassion, and a commitment to serving others. For more information, see www.shu.edu/walshgallery Seton Hall University is located at 400 S. Orange Avenue, South Orange, New Jersey, 07079. The Walsh Gallery is open 10:30am to 4:30pm Monday – Thursday.