The Nightingale Gallery presents “Liminal”: Senior Art Major Exhibition

The Nightingale Gallery presents “Liminal”: Senior Art Major Exhibition

LA GRANDE, Ore. – The Nightingale Gallery of Eastern Oregon University presents Liminal, the capstone exhibition of senior art majors Tess Cahill, Jason Hogge, and Cira Mesubed. The exhibition opens on April 5 and runs through May 3. This exhibit delves into the diverse experiences of each artist as they navigate the challenge of existing in a liminal space. There will be an opening reception on April 5th from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., where all are encouraged to attend.

Liminal is described as a state of being in between or in a transitional stage. It is a threshold period where individuals experience a sense of limbo, neither entirely in one place nor fully outside of it. To be in a liminal space is to exist between two states of being, often paired with feelings of disorientation and ambiguity. Liminal spaces are frequently associated with rites of passage and transformative experiences where individuals undergo a transition from one state to another.

Tess Cahill explores this theme of liminality through the coexistence of emotional conflicts in her mind. Her works encourage connection and associations within the viewer, as well as conceptual exploration. Cahill’s recent capstone work focuses on the rendering of form and space contrasted with flat, enigmatic backdrops. She incorporates recognizable yet imperceptible structures that create an intriguing visual dance for viewers to engage in. The use of visual dramatics is an exploration of the dualities of connection and separation, loneliness and quiet community, anxiety and stillness, and beauty amidst it all.

Cahill has exhibited her work in several local galleries, including the Nightingale Gallery, Art Center East, and the Cook Memorial Library. In 2018, she studied figure drawing and figure painting at the California College of the Arts. She has received certificates of course completion in 2D Animation, Digital Illustration, and Concept Art, respectively. In 2023, Cahill traveled abroad to London to study illustration at Camberwell College of Art and graphic design at Central Saint Martins. She is now located in La Grande, where she uses her practice to develop work for the upcoming capstone exhibition at Eastern Oregon University.

Jason Hogge investigates liminal themes with his internal dialogue on society and connection. Through the use of perspective, illusion, and mechanical elements, Hogge invites the audience to engage with the work. He has incorporated hidden portions that can only be witnessed by the viewer, adapting their perspective and encouraging physical interaction with the audience. Hogge’s work represents his thoughts about relationships, society, spirituality, cultural complexity, and love, particularly the intimate passions, fears, and dreams that are not apparent upon first interactions with people.

Hogge is a mixed-media artist from Pendleton, OR. He is currently working toward his Bachelor of Science degree in Art at EOU, following his attendance at Pacific Northwest College of Art. Hogge has painted several large murals in various locations and that has been displayed in schools and public spaces throughout Eastern Oregon. His work has been represented at the Pendleton Center for the Arts, the Betty Feves Memorial Gallery, the Free Spirit Gallery, Crow’s Shadow, the Pacific Northwest College of Art, the Art Center East, the Pendleton Round-Up, and the Nightingale Gallery.

Cira Mesubed explores liminal space through identity. Through visual elements of coalesced colors and entangled bodies, they use both figure drawing and painting elements that reflect their psyche. Mesubed’s work depicts human subjects in ambiguous, compromised states. They use this imagery to deconstruct and reconstruct their perceptions, as well as question the areas in their experience that aren’t always discernible. Mesubed’s work is an exploration of their consciousness and aims to capture the ambiguity and plurality that is existence and identity.

Cira Mesubed is a visual artist based in Eastern Oregon. Their work has been showcased in publications like Sink Hollow from Utah State University and Oregon East from Eastern Oregon University. Mesubed has participated in various group exhibitions in La Grande, OR, such as Emergence, in the Midst, and The Big, presented by Art Center East. Their work has also appeared in the Cook Memorial Library and the Nightingale Gallery at Eastern Oregon University.

The gallery, located in Loso Hall, is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.  For more information, visit eou.edu/art or follow the Nightingale Gallery on Facebook and Instagram.To request images of artwork for publication or to schedule an interview with the artist please contact Gallery Director Cory Peeke at cpeeke@eou.edu.