Another Space II

An eclectic collection of paintings and installations from Southwestern College wended its way through Third Avenue Village and set up shop at the Gateway Building in Chula Vista.

It was the second annual exhibition titled Another Space II, a student and faculty art show presented by SWC's School of Arts and Communication, the Third Avenue Village Association and Mountain West.

One might easily compare and contrast the name of Another Space II to themes along the lines of "Space Odyssey," but it certainly is not the case at this art show. There was no consistent theme, instead different sorts of arts, pottery, paintings, plastic-people, still life drawings, conceptual shapes and photography, were showcased.

Many of the art pieces and installations were previously used for other SWC art galleries. George Essex's controversial painting "Making Myths" featured Michael Jackson in his later years resurrected as Jesus Christ and was set in a Catholic style shrine. Details on Michael Jackson's glove sparkled impressively, however the whole concept of Jackson being compared to Christ lacks any historical and accurate parallels, leaving the piece dull.

A mountainous blend of ice cream and candy shaped like a giant "A" shaped bridge of flavor. Designed by John Oliver Lewis the piece was titled "Big Diet Pink," leaving the on-looker craving something sweet.

Irma Rimero's "Dentist" installation displayed a humorous and light addition to the gallery. It was simple, just a dentist holding a red toothbrush next to his patient, an old man with a bright orange and patterned cardigan holding a pair of his teeth out in one hand.

A standout section included the remake of the massive suicide of "Peoples Temple Agricultural Project" which took place on Nov. 18, 1978 after the founding leader Jim Jones instructed his followers to drink Kool-Aid laced with cyanide, resulting in over 900 deaths. Students in the Installation Art Class used clear packaging tape to resemble people drinking the poison and dying.

Another Space II also held math-based art, with shapes and vortexes that would make DaVinci ponder. These pieces were sharp, and the architect within could find some appreciation toward this style and presentation.

A much more natural and truly Southwestern-style art was displayed through elegant forms of pottery. There was a lot of feeling attached to the piece by Margot Villa entitled "She Moves Me." It's vibrant and multi-colored shape gave a Victorian feel with a Navajo choice of color twist. It was apparent there was a lot of soft touching on this particular piece.

Another Space II gave students and faculty a chance to showcase SWC's art off campus and into the South Bay with a wide range of audience and art enthusiasts. Another Space II represented the faculty and student body of SWC fairly vibrantly, showing off the diverse cultures and varying an array of art techniques.