Columbia, September 21, 2025
News Summary
The 701 Center for Contemporary Art in Columbia is hosting a biannual exhibition featuring 24 South Carolina artists. This iteration emphasizes sustainability through artwork made from recycled materials. With exhibits running in two parts, the exhibition showcases diverse artistic expressions and community engagement, prompting conversations on art’s transformative power.
Columbia Showcases Local Talent at 701 Center for Contemporary Art Biennial Exhibition
The 701 Center for Contemporary Art (CCA) in Columbia is currently hosting its biannual exhibition, which features artwork from 24 selected South Carolina artists. Part One of the exhibition is running until October 5, 2025, while Part Two is scheduled to take place from November 6 to December 21, 2025. This marks the eighth iteration of the survey exhibition conducted by the 701 CCA.
A three-juror panel carefully selected the featured artists, highlighting a diverse range of visual creativity from around the state. One of the major themes of the exhibition is sustainability, which is prominently reflected in the artworks that utilize recycled materials. Cardboard and paper have emerged as popular mediums among many artists, showcasing their commitment to environmental consciousness.
Featured Artists and Their Works
Among the artists is Morgan Kinne, who created an 8-foot-tall tower from carved cardboard, adorned with images of weathered wooden buildings. This piece serves as a powerful testament to the narratives embedded within architecture. Another notable artist, Colleen Cannon-Karlos, resides in the Afrocentric realm, using cardboard to craft a triptych titled “Sapien 2.” This striking piece incorporates mask-like figures harmoniously combined with abstract patterns.
Biennial veteran Flavia Lovatelli constructs intricate paper sculptures from junk mail and old books, transforming discarded materials into organic life forms. Additionally, Keith Tolen’s acrylic piece “Conversation Over Now” features a monochromatic figure layered with luminous dots, creating a captivating visual effect.
Photography is also a significant part of the exhibition, evident in Nathalie Watson’s work titled “Soundless Serenity,” which reflects her Gullah Geechee heritage by showcasing a proud woman adorned with a cowrie shell collar. Kevin Kao presents a whimsical ceramic sculpture known as “Squished Ghost,” depicting a ghost figure making an unexpected entrance onto the gallery floor, fashioned from mirrored vinyl.
Other artists explore themes of modernity, such as Kate Hooray Osmond, who illustrates urban landscapes populated by ghostly figures, while Michael Cassidy and Dylan Bannister highlight the beauty in everyday life through animal portraits and urban imagery, respectively. Contemporary social issues are also captive, highlighted by Drew Sisk’s portrayal of AI development and Brook Harris Stevens’ textile art addressing American militarism.
Community Engagement and Cultural Context
The 701 CCA plays an important role in the Columbia art scene, providing a platform for local artists and fostering community engagement. Dr. Tom Mack, a USC Distinguished Professor Emeritus and cultural historian, is involved with the center and has authored several books emphasizing local history. His contributions help underscore the significance of the arts in understanding and preserving cultural narratives in South Carolina.
This biennial exhibition not only showcases the talents of South Carolina artists but also prompts conversations about sustainability, social issues, and the transformative power of art. It serves as a reminder of the creativity and innovation that thrive within the local artist community.
FAQs
What is the 701 Center for Contemporary Art?
The 701 Center for Contemporary Art is an art center located in Columbia, South Carolina, which features contemporary artwork and exhibitions from local and regional artists.
When is the current exhibition running?
The current exhibition is Part One and will be open until October 5, 2025, with Part Two running from November 6 to December 21, 2025.
How many artists are featured in this biennial exhibition?
A total of 24 South Carolina artists are showcased in this biennial exhibition.
What themes are explored in the artworks?
The exhibition emphasizes themes of sustainability and contemporary social issues, with many artists using recycled materials in their work.
Who selected the artists for this exhibition?
A three-juror panel selected the featured artists for the biennial exhibition.
Key Features of the Biennial Exhibition
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 701 Center for Contemporary Art, Columbia, SC |
| Number of Artists | 24 |
| Themes | Sustainability, Contemporary Social Issues |
| Exhibition Duration | Part One: Until October 5, 2025; Part Two: November 6 – December 21, 2025 |
| Jurors | Three-member panel |
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: 701 Center for Contemporary Art Hosts 2025 Biennial Part One
- Post and Courier: Columbia SC Artists Biennial Show
- Garden & Gun: South Carolina’s Creative Capital
- WLTX: Things to Do in Columbia This Weekend
- Wikipedia: Contemporary Art
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