GCSC artists tell the “Same Old Story” while addressing problems many see as unprecedented.

the Body Narrative Collective, consisting of artists Pavel Amromin, Jill Foote-Hutton, Magda Gluszek, Tammy Marinuzzi, Keith Smith, and Meghan Sullivan unveiled their exhibit “Same Old Story” March 24th in the Amelia Center Gallery on campus and it will continue to be on display until April 14th Monday-Thursday 10AM-6PM and Fridays 10AM-4PM. Admission is free.

Using the story of Henny Penny, also known as Chicken Little, the artists explore current events through the lens of older tales that have been told for decades and centuries. According to the artists “Every offering in the ‘Same Old Story’ exhibition is an examination, reflection, or contemplation of some larger issue plaguing our world: climate change, loneliness and isolation, equity, consumerism and waste, artificial intelligence, whatever issue the individual artist might feel pulled toward.” Some of the pieces had detailed explanations of their work and others simply had a title and spoke for themselves. One such example was a commemorative plate collection featuring Gov. Ron Desantis (R) surrounded by quotes from the book 1984 by George Orwell and the governor’s own definitions of our state.

This highlights the series of laws he has passed in regard to critical race theory, gender identity, LGBTQ+ education, black history, diversity and inclusion initiatives and certain measures he has taken in order to enforce these laws such as self-appointed oversight committees and book bans many see as being similar to the totalitarian world of Orwell’s novel.

Other exhibits referenced things like industrialization and the value we place on objects and “progress” rather than the earth and the creatures on it. This being told through the story of a steam liner and a mythical figure as well as a collection of plates featuring endangered species of Florida and some things we can do to protect them as well as ensure we don’t keep adding to the list.

The majority of the exhibits, however, directly relate to the Henny Penny story from a range of angles. Some of these include the idea that in times of uncertainty such as the ones we have faced in the last few years, many start to believe that the world is approaching its end. These exhibits point out that in the Henny Penny story it was the fear of the end of the world that led to the demise of the animals not its actual end.

Others focus on the fox who promises protection from the end of the world in the form of death which he is all too eager to offer to his prey. One of the artists points out that the fox would’ve devoured the animals anyway seeing as they were natural prey to him, but they made his job all the easier by allowing a false problem to make real one look like a viable solution.

The artists sum this up by saying “There will always be issues that incite fear. There will always be multiple solutions to resolve any given problem. There will always be those who feed on fear and misinformation. There will also always be wisdom and courage to step forward into the unknown. Issues that seem beyond comprehension or control have existed for as long as humans have roamed the earth. Henny Penny is as relevant today as it was when it was first recorded in the 19th Century.”

I spoke with two people who viewed the exhibit, Tiffany and Taylor, and they both marveled at the beauty of the pieces. Taylor, 22, said “The sculptures are really cool and beautiful. I like the fact that it is all 3-D which makes the message more real.”

Tiffany, 36, said “The exhibit is beautiful, and I really like all of the diverse perspectives represented in the works of art.” Many others wrote their praise for the exhibit in the guest book with people describing it as “beautiful”, “wonderful”, “mesmerizing”, and “very slay.”

There are many opportunities to view the exhibit between now and April 14th in the Amelia Center Gallery (AC 112) Monday-Friday.