The first art exhibit of the fall semester opened Monday, Sept. 8, inside the LMC Art gallery. Showcasing the work of award-winning Sacramento artist Jennifer Lugris.
The “Dear Leader” exhibit tells the story not only of Lugris but also of the long tale of struggle and endurance of her family members.
“My work reflects my life,” Lugris said, adding that her family is from different parts of the world.
Whether it was her grandparents escaping the dictatorship in North Korea and eventually migrating to Argentina, or on her dad’s side, where her grandfather left Francoist Spain and settled in Uruguay, where he settled down and had a family.
“A lot of the work is just about my family history and all the fortitude that has been passed down from generation to generation,” Lugris said.
The “Dear Leader” exhibition gets its name from the strict North Korean law that mandates portraits of the country’s leaders in every home and office.
Lugris decided to subvert this and make portraits of her dear leaders, who are her grandparents, and frame them in the same way.
She further added that the exhibition is about getting people to look back at the past, at the major decisions that the generations who preceeded them made to provide the opportunities they have now.
Recognizing the sacrifices made by family and also being conscious of the decisions they make today that will influence future generations.
While much of her art is inspired by her parents and grandparents, as seen with “Dear Halmeoni”, “Dear Harabeoji”, “Mi Madre Nunca Me Dijo Nada”, and others, some of her pieces are intertwined with her journey of motherhood.
Her piece “Where do Babies Come From?” explores “the invisible labor that goes into birthing and raising children.” Lugris said. “So you have the breastfeeding mother, in the hands I’ve kind of laid some hidden symbols. For instance, in between the twin fingers is a vagina. The thumb is green, like they’re having a green thumb, being good at growing things, and the wedding finger, which is about how all babies come from a male and female DNA,” she further described the artwork.
The opening reception had the guests intently focused on Lugris as she guided them through the gallery, painting a narrative behind her works.
Detailing her motivation to “capture the story so that it’s never forgotten,”and also striving to “remind other people that they too have similar stories and do have power within them.”
“My favorite was I’m a Wolf-Unicorn-Fairy-Cat-Tiger-Lion…I like how the colors stand out and complement each other,” said student Melany Granillo, adding that this is her first time visiting LMC’s Art Gallery and further explaining that she plans to go back in the future to enjoy other art shows.
Among the attendees were the parents of Lugris, who took pride in their daughter’s work.
Her father, Antonio Lugris, explained that he was very emotional, seeing her art displayed, adding that “Knowing the story behind them, it’s even more powerful.”
Overall, it was obvious that this showcase was a hit with most, thanks not only to the artist but also to Art Gallery Director Sarah Lee, who invited Lugris.
Lee explained that when selecting artists, she is partial to those who will be able to empower students.
For those who haven’t seen the “Dear Leader” exhibit in person. The gallery is open Monday through Thursday from 1-4 p.m. inside the LMC library.
Those interested in visitng the gallery have until October 2 to visit the exhibit.
Below are a selection of other works shown in the gallery.
