Student Art Exhibit Critiques Christian Culture
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 29, 2015) — University of Kentucky art studio senior Tom Baker will present his B.F.A. (Bachelor of Fine Arts) solo exhibition "Imago Dei" that offers a critique of Christian culture, politics, theology and iconography. The show, which is free and open to the public, will be on display Nov. 2-6, in the Art and Visual Studies Building Art Gallery. An opening reception in honor of Baker's work will be presented 5-8 p.m. Monday, Nov. 2, at the gallery.
The intersection between religion, politics and culture is incredibly important to Baker's art. His art is both sacrilegious and yet deeply influenced by his own religious practice. Baker has a desire for his artwork to participate in the prophetic tradition of the Old Testament.
"Thematically the show offers a critique of Christian culture, politics, theology and iconography from my perspective as a practicing liberal Christian who has worked in ministry for the last 14 years," Baker said.
The solo show will include several mixed media prints as well as an installation and performance piece.
A nontraditional student, Baker is a father of four who has a communication background and previously worked as a musician, call center manager, in ministry and as a research assistant at UK. After being laid off from his regular job, he decided to follow his passion for art and return to school and pursue a degree in art studio specializing in print media. In addition, according to the artist, he suffers from bipolar disorder.
Despite adversity, Baker has managed to garner several awards, including a Summer Sustainability Research and Creativity Fellowship from UK, as well as the Ross Zirkle Memorial Award for printmaking and service to the campus and community. Baker recently exhibited work in Tokushima, Japan; Atlanta, Georgia; Jupiter, Florida; and at the Mid-America Print Council Members' Juried Exhibition in Elmhurst, Illinois.
Baker is active in the local and national printmaking community as a member of the Lexington Guild of Printmakers, the Southern Graphics Council International, the Mid-America Print Council, and as co-founder of Back Alley Press, a student printmaking organization at UK.
"Imago Dei" is presented by UK School of Art and Visual Studies in the UK College of Fine Arts. The school is an accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Art and Design and offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in the fields of art studio, art history and visual studies, and art education.
MEDIA CONTACT: Whitney Hale, 859-257-8716; whitney.hale@uky.edu