2/22/2021

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The works of Omaha, Nebraska, artist, Jave Yoshimoto will be featured at Bing-Davis Memorial Gallery at Upper Iowa University’s Fayette Campus through Friday, March 19.

The solo exhibit, titled “Grievous Microcosm,” is based on today’s humanitarian issues. According to the artist, his goal is to raise awareness of the daily humanitarian crises around the globe, and to inspire empathy in viewers. Contemporary historical references are made in the artwork, as well as homage to social media and popular cultures to critically view how human beings interact in today’s technological age.

“We live in a digital information age where the daily news cycle sweeps away the waves of information that floods the media and our screens,” Yoshimoto said. “With masses of migration happening around the globe in recent years, we have become desensitized to the tragedy and have started to forget these daily calamities. I address this social amnesia through my works, with each piece acting as a social memory, a snapshot, to these tragic events so quickly forgotten in today’s technological age.”

Yoshimoto received a Master of Fine Arts degree at Syracuse University, post-baccalaureate certificate in painting and drawing and Master of Art degree at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and a bachelor’s degree from University of California Santa Barbara.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, University officials previously announced the decision to forego the traditional in-person artist’s receptions to keep both the UIU community and visiting artists safe. Instead, each of this year’s exhibits include an online video interview featuring each of the participating artists. Yoshimoto’s presentation can soon be viewed at uiu.edu/art-on-campus/bing-davis-memorial-gallery/.

Bing-Davis Memorial Gallery is located in Edgar Fine Arts Hall at UIU’s Fayette Campus. The gallery is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Hours are subject to change. Social distancing and face coverings are required at the Gallery and Fayette Campus.