2023 SDSU Grad Award Exhibit Marinta Skupin’s paintings and drawings probe our relationship with the natural environment. Among the imagery referenced in her work is that of the San Diego landscape. Skupin combines it with language and scientific data in order to examine how we know the world around us. In addition to being inspired by physical features of the natural world, Skupin’s work is informed by her reflections on the history of landscape painting and on issues such as extinction and the predicted climate apocalypse. The title of the exhibition is a quote from the following passage, written by David Benioff and spoken by Brad Pitt’s character in the 2004 film Troy: “Everything is more beautiful because we're doomed. You will never be lovelier than you are now. We will never be here again.” This is Skupin’s first solo exhibition and is the result of a partnership between Art Produce and San Diego State University, through which Art Produce makes an annual award to one student in the University’s School of Art & Design for an exhibition. Reception: Saturday, July 22nd 6-8 p.m. Gallery hours with the Artist: Saturdays 3-5 p.m. General Gallery Hours: Thursday 2-7 p.m.* Friday 2-7 p.m. Saturday 5-7 p.m. Sunday 5-7 p.m. *Entry through Botanica Thursday-Sunday 5-7 p.m. CLICK HERE for the Gallery Guide About the Artist: Marinta Skupin (b. Williston, South Africa) is a Prebys-endowed scholar and MFA candidate at San Diego State University’s School of Art and Design. She has a BA degree in Fine Arts and an MA degree in Arts Administration, both from the University of New Orleans. Prior to returning to the studio full-time, she had a long museum career, most recently as Curator of Education at Laguna Art Museum. Her work has been exhibited at such venues as the Athenaeum in La Jolla, the Institute of Contemporary Art in San Diego, Gallery 825 in Los Angeles, and the Abercrombie Gallery at McNeese State University in Louisiana. Related links: Art Produce website | Instagram | Facebook
