YSU Department of Art debuts exhibition by Pittsburgh artist
February 27, 2023
The YSU Department of Art debuted Pittsburgh artist Carolina Alamilla’s exhibition “Space Swim” February 27, 2023 in the Judith Rae Solomon Gallery, located in Bliss Hall on the campus of Youngstown State University. The exhibition, centered around Women’s History Month, follows the theme of finding freedom amidst chaos.
“We couldn’t be more pleased to present the artwork of Carolina Alamilla for Women’s History Month,” McDonough Museum of Art director Claudia Berlinski said. “She is quite an accomplished artist and educator and a great example of professionalism in her field. Her artwork is a surprising blend of humor and fantasy and will be a lovely respite from the winter weather and gray days.”
Alamilla earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill and her Master of Fine Arts in ceramics & transmedia from Texas Tech University. She has received grants from the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts, Oolite Arts, and the Locust Projects of Miami to further her projects. Alamilla is also a curatorial fellow with the Stay Home Gallery and a member of the Associated Artists of Pittsburgh. Currently, she is a professor of studio art at Washington & Jefferson College.
Alamilla draws inspiration for her projects from the concepts of home and cultural identity. She uses her skills in ceramics to produce objects that are altered versions of normal, everyday life.
“We don’t fit in the past, nor do we know the future. We are looking to swim freely and safely amidst chaos and fear. ‘Space Swim’ echoes the hope found in astronaut portraits, and sunny days by the pool,” Alamilla said. “It is in searching and developing one’s identity that we find ourselves in a space that is free from burdens, even if the so-called free space is in a constructed experience of a pool.”
Alamilla’s exhibition is open to the public February 27 – March 30, 2023. Gallery hours are 8 AM – 5 PM Monday – Friday. More information is available by calling the McDonough Museum of Art at 330-941-1400.