Meadows Museum of Art opens “Simulacrum” by Jessica Hawkins October 31
SHREVEPORT, LA — Artist Jessica Hawkins unveils her exhibition, Simulacrum, to the public on October 31, 2023, at the Meadows Museum of Art. The exhibition will run through December 2, and Hawkins will deliver a public artist talk on November 6 at 4:30 p.m. in the Museum. The exhibition and the artist talk are both free and open to the public.
An associate professor of communication at Centenary College, Hawkins serves as chair of the Art and Visual Culture Department. The exhibition stems from her Fall 2022 sabbatical project, which focused on establishing a screen-printing studio within the Turner Arts Center.
The title, derived from the Latin word simulacrum, meaning "likeness, semblance," serves as the thematic core of Hawkins' latest body of work. Her art utilizes artificial intelligence to generate imagery based on carefully crafted prompts, which is then brought to life through the meticulous process of screen printing. The resulting pieces not only question the nature of representation but also introduce a dynamic interplay between the digital and the physical.
"We are thrilled to showcase Professor Hawkins' exhibition, which challenges conventions and pushes the boundaries of artistic representation and celebrates the installation of a screen printing studio on our campus," said Meadows Director Alissa Klaus. "Her fusion of artificial intelligence and screen printing not only highlights the evolving nature of art but also prompts important conversations about the role of technology in shaping our understanding of the visual."
Hawkins' works go beyond mere imitation, embracing the inherent tension between the simulated image and the substance of the original. The artist creates a visual dialogue that prompts viewers to contemplate the complexities of contemporary artistic expression. Visitors can experience firsthand the captivating interplay between the digital and the physical, as Hawkins invites them to question the essence of what constitutes an authentic representation.
About the Meadows Museum of Art
The Meadows Museum of Art is located on the campus of Centenary College of Louisiana at 2911 Centenary Boulevard in Shreveport, Louisiana. The Museum is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The Museum is closed on Sundays and College holidays. For more information or to schedule field trips, call the Museum at 318.869.5169 or visit themeadowsmuseum.com.