UTSA Satellite Space shows 'Spiritual Dreaming'

By Ashley Harris
Public Affairs Specialist

(Jan. 30, 2008)--The UTSA Department of Art and Art History will present "Spiritual Dreaming," an exhibit of works by Australian aboriginal artist Terry Yumbulul and local artist Penelope Speier, from Thursday, Jan. 31 to Sunday, Feb. 24 at the UTSA Satellite Space.

A meet-the-artist opening reception, free and open to the public, is 6-9 p.m, Thursday, Jan. 31.

In the exhibit curated by Scott Sherer, UTSA assistant professor of art and art history, Speier and Yumbulul examine spirituality as a connection to something greater with regard to consciousness of being connected to humanity and the natural world.

In an exercise of possibilities created through juxtaposition, Speier presents bright colors avoiding narrative and symbolic references, while Yumbulul animates traditional patterns and figurative designs in a palette of earth tones.

Both artists have experienced the confluence of Eastern and Western cultures. Raised a Catholic in the United States, Speier now practices Buddhism. From the Northwest Territory of Australia, Yumbulul continues with traditional aboriginal beliefs amidst the Westernization of missionary schools and contemporary Australian life.

Yumbulul will lecture throughout San Antonio through Feb. 11.

The UTSA Satellite Space is in Blue Star Arts Complex Suite 115 at South Alamo and Probandt streets. The exhibit is free and open to the public. Gallery hours are noon-6 p.m., Friday-Sunday, or by appointment. For First Friday, Feb. 1, the monthly gallery open house in the Southtown district, gallery hours are noon-9 p.m.

For more information, contact Connie Swann at (210) 458-4391.