Big Art Project
The Big Art Project was an initiative begun by TRU 100: CREATE to generate public artworks that aimed to connect with the Kirksville community. First-year Truman students involved in this project concentrated on topics that either related directly to the community or needed more public attention. These students worked to present their ideas visually in order to inform or mobilize public support.
The project used cyanotyping to create the images, and had two phases. In the first part, groups of four or five students planned individual compositions that they designed to fit on twin-sized bed sheets. These initial large cyanotypes were created in direct sunlight on Truman State’s quad. A variety of different objects, from paper stencils and disposable masks to the students' actual bodies, were placed on the photo-sensitized sheets to inhibit light exposure. One group had multiple individuals using their hands and arms at the bottom of the cyanotype, as they reached up to the central figure of their image.
“This cyanotype represents the idea of what Kirksville could be. … The idea that everyone could lift each other up and become greater instead of tearing each other down.” said student Amanda Cox.
Exposing the cyanotypes outside was fun, but difficult to control. The wind was a serious challenge to the construction of each group's project because it could blow the fabric and other various objects off the cyanotype. Scheduling a perfectly sunny day was also difficult and each group had to wait extra time for the clouds to move so the cyanotypes could capture more UV light. Despite these difficulties, several phase one projects were selected for display at the Sue Ross Art Center from November 7th to December 30th.
The second phase of the project was intended to create multiple pieces that would showcase a single theme. Larger groups of students worked together to design works about environmental and social issues. These cyanotypes maintained the large scale but were created under more controlled conditions using indoor, UV grow lights. This series of work was displayed for the public on the northern side of Pickler Memorial Library from November 11th until November 30th. These final pieces are featured below, click on the images to see larger versions and read more about the work.
