Update: More on Call's artwork

I received feedback regarding Diane Call's thesis work and how she came to focus on religion as a brand. I got in touch with her through email this past week and she's provided some additional insight into her artistic thought process:

"I was initially drawn to religious icons in Mexico while shopping for a friend who has an obsession for what she dubs 'tacky Jesus stuff,'" Call said.

Call bought a bracelet for herself while shopping, and the daughter of the woman in charge of the program then pointed to each saint on the bracelet and named it. "I was so impressed that I tried to learn a few - the history of the roles of these icons in Mexico (namely the Virgin of Guadalupe) was very fascinating to me."

The artist also notes the influence of Mexico's history in her process; "The conquest (of Mexico) was funded by the church, so in order to continue it was necessary for Spaniards to convert the native Mexicas. (The Virgin of) Guadalupe essentially functioned as a selling point for the church to relate to the natives, so I wanted to discuss these icons in today's term of brands," Call said.

As the quarter winds down and many of us (including all of the artists I've interviewed) prepare to move on from this wonderful place called Athens, schedules have become hectic and many seem to be filled with that "oh my god I still have so much left to do here before I leave" feeling (myself included).

With that said, it's been tough to schedule follow-up interviews in order to answer the questions that have been so kindly posted. However, I plan on continuing this posting fun even after the quarter has ended, perhaps exploring the artworld of Cleveland this summer as I serve in my internship there.

Please check back soon for more on Call and the rest, and photos of the tear down process. As for what happens to the art when it's all said and done... I smell an art sale. I'll keep everyone posted on when and where there will be sales in Athens and the surrounding area.

Update: According to Call, some of the artists have destroyed their pieces, especially in cases where the art consisted of small-scale "rooms" and stages. However, most have simply taken the pieces down "are trying to figure out what to do with them."

It's more uncommon for undergraduates to sell their work, according to Call, but if a viewer is intersted, some will put their work up for sale.