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Center for Art Design and Visual Culture - UMBC
Multiple large branches/vines extended across the floor of a gray room

LAB: Empirical Evidence: John Ruppert

January 31–March 16, 2019

The Center for Art, Design and Visual Culture will present an exhibition of John Ruppert’s work which will open at the CADVC on Thursday, January 31st, 2019. Entitled LAB: Empirical Evidence: John Ruppert, the exhibition will span the artist’s recent explorations with installation, sculptural objects, photography, and sound as it relates to the world around us. Influenced by his intense interest in natural phenomena, Ruppert’s overarching investigation will focus on the intersection of the natural world and humanity. In a broader sense, he seeks to develop a heightened consciousness of our precarious existence on the planet.

LAB: Empirical Evidence: John Ruppert represents the first exhibition in a new series where an individual artist is invited to orchestrate his or her pieces and/or series within the CADVC’s main gallery space to produce a unique and comprehensive installation blurring the lines between art and science. Future exhibitions will explore the connections between textiles, drawing, painting, and sculpture, and the natural sciences, engineering, technology, and cultural politics.

Tuesday, February 12th at 4 PM: Gallery tour and conversation with John Ruppert and Dr. Stephen Freeland, Evolutionary Biologist and Director of the Individualized Study Program at UMBC

Installation view of a gallery wall with two framed pieces hanging on it. At left is a photograph of a rocky meadow. To its right is a single marigold-colored panel. Both are square in shape.
Image of a gallery showing an opening for a darker room ahead. The room is illuminated with a dim, yellow spotlight.
Image of a gallery showing an opening for a darker room ahead. The room is illuminated with a dim, yellow spotlight.
Installation view of a dark panel mounted on a wall. Behind the wall, a branch-like installation piece populates the gallery space that is illuminated with a blue-toned light.
Detail of an installation piece featuring branch-like fixtures in a gallery illuminated by a blue light.
Mixed media work featured metal-spiked spheres in a bed of grey sand.
Art piece resembling a large boulder is placed on the light-colored wood floor of a gallery. Behind it, a monitor screen mounted on a tall white pedestal emits a blue glow.
Large metal artwork is laid flat on a light-wood floor. The work resembles industrial steam beams. Behind it is a projection that is bright blue and orange.
A close detail of an artwork made out of forged metal. The work resembles industrial steal beams. The central beam has a charred, melted appearance.
Large metal artwork is laid flat on a light-wood floor. The work resembles industrial steam beams. Behind it is a projection that is bright blue and orange.

Visitor Information

Our exhibitions and events are free and open to the public for full participation by all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other protected category under applicable federal law, state law, and the University’s nondiscrimination policy.

If you need specific accommodations at one of our events, whether in person or online, or to experience an exhibition, please contact CADVC at cadvc@umbc.edu or 410-455-3188 as soon as possible.