5
September 5, 2013 arbiteronline.com
SeOuL
ShOcKeR Makeup shopping Danielle Davidsion
Photo Devin Ferrel/THE ARBITER
@DaniGrace4
SUB Lobby holds Bill Blahd exhibit for the Boise State community
In Our Name Since the tragedy of Sept. 11, the United States has been in the middle of war for the last 12 years. People have sought refuge from the emotions of war in many different ways. One of those ways is art, and with realist artist Bill Blahd, his work has been has been his solace. Blahd is a locally based artist who has been selected not once, but twice by the Student Union Arts Advisory Board (SUAAB) to exhibit his art here at Boise State. Blahd has more than 30 years experience as an emergency room doctor, for the Veterans Administration Hospital Emergency Room here in Boise. It has been his experience here that has greatly influenced his art. While exploring the concepts of nihilism, self-annihilation, and the terror of combat, Blahd has reinvented his work to accommodate the emotional reality of a country at war, both on the field of combat and off. On the first floor of the Student Union Building (SUB) outside the Special Events Center (SPEC) Blahd currently has his works on exhibition. From powerful images of war and dehumanization, to persecution and fear, students have the opportunity to experience Blahd’s pieces in raw entirety. “ I am a bit picky when it comes to art, but I really like what is exhibited by the SPEC,” Eric Leavitt, junior communication major, said, “Its both relevant and personable to any individual who takes the chance to take a look. It means something different to whoever looks at it, that’s why its
brilliant.” Some students here on campus have family members who have been or are currently involved with the conflict in the Middle East, while some do not. Whoever they are, both have a connection to the emotions portrayed by Blahd in his works. “I have known of people who went to Iraq and Afghanistan, none in my family though. Although I was deeply affected by what I was seeing in the art. Its simple, but extremely powerful. I can’t help but think of the hardship they all went through,” Leavitt said. The Student Union Fine Arts Department will be consistently holding exhibits and receptions of a variety of artists throughout the academic year. The “In Our Name” exhibit will be available for students to view until January 13, 2014. This Friday, Sept. 6, the Fine Arts Department will be holding a reception in the SPEC lobby for patrons who are interested in learning more about Blahd as well as meeting the man himself.
“Combat solider on temporary leave with family” exhibit
Photo Devin Ferrell/THE ARBITER
@LanceMoore07
“Reconnaissance flight the morning after battle” exhibit
ONLINE What did you think of this article? Let us know at www.arbiter online.com where you can find breaking campus news.
Photo Devin Ferrell/THE ARBITER
Lance Moore
Photo Devin Ferrell/THE ARBITER
Bill Blahd’s emotional art will be on display in the SPEC
“Reoccuring nightmare” exhibit
Danielle Davidson is currently studying abroad in Seoul, South Korea. This is her first hand experience with living abroad. The number of cosmetic and skincare shops in Myeong-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul is by far the most I’ve ever seen. Streets are lined with different stores, and beauty names like Innisfree, Etude House, Nature Republic and Tony Moly can be seen on nearly every corner. But the assault of skincare and makeup doesn’t stop there. Callers stand outside the shops and talk to customers as they go by, as well as hand them free samples if they choose to go in the store. The waving and smiling is to get people’s attention, and it works. It might not be effective on the locals, but with packs of foreigners, it’s an effective strategy. After being compelled by the kind employees who stand outside in the stifling heat and humidity, most people find themselves inside a cute, clean, air-conditioned shop with about two rows of products to choose from. Face packs, eye packs, toners, lotions and face wash overwhelmed me when I walked into the first store. A few facemasks and eye patches (put under eyes to relieve dark circles and puffiness) were the only things that snuck their way into my hands at the first stop. Did I mention if a purchase of a certain amount is made, they give you free stuff called ‘service?’ Service equals washes, creams, serums and more. It’s quite lovely. Some of the attendants are even multilingual, speaking Japanese, Chinese and English to accommodate foreign consumers. Communicating past language barriers is much easier for me in larger districts, and a few Korean words on my part and a few English words on their part get things done (mostly it’s a lot of head-nodding, guessing, and hoping at this point). It may be a very small portion of Seoul, but Myeong-dong is one impressive place, and the only thing in danger there is a wallet with money wanting to be spent on clothes, food and beauty products. Once I was out of the stores that day, I traveled with some new friends. I’m happy to say most of my money is still safely hidden away, but don’t worry, I didn’t walk away empty-handed. Stay tuned for more of my adventures and follow me around Seoul as I learn the language and expolore!
Fight Boredom.
Pick up the Arbiter every Monday and Thursday. the arbiter
arbiteronline.com