The Gloucester County Cultural and Heritage Commission at Rowan College of South Jersey (RCSJ) presents the Winter Exhibition: Portraits by Loren Dann. Founder and Executive Director of the South Jersey Artist Collective (SJAC). The gallery runs through March 14 at the RCSJ Gloucester Campus College Center.
Dann's focus throughout this exhibition involved combining fine art with performance. Portraits highlights prominent historical figures throughout history, with many of the figures inspired by local historical interpreter, Dr. Daisy Century. Dann worked directly with Dr. Century through a grant, and during their collaboration she became inclined to artistically portray each of the historical figures Dr. Century reenacts. Dr. Century's interpreted historical figures include: Harriet Tubman, Madam CJ Walker, Sojourner Truth, Phillis Wheatley, Bessie Coleman, Mary Fields, Cathy Williams, and Hatshepsut.
Prior to their collaboration, Dann had already been drawn to painting portraits of people. She initially created her portrait of Sojourner Truth following the Women's March in Washington D.C. The piece was an homage to women in history and ironically happened to be one of the eight figures Dr. Century reenacts. After their fated collaboration, Dann knew she had to paint the rest of the women Dr. Century portrayed.
The exhibition also reflects on the successes of the historical figures, rather than focusing on the hardships the individuals may have faced. Dann utilizes specific artistic techniques to convey positive messages regarding the subjects of her portraits. For example, her portrait of Harriet Tubman features a halo glow in the woods, referencing how Tubman believed she was guided by angels along her journey on the underground railroad. Even the contrasting light and dark colors used throughout the piece help reflect the abolitionist movement and the end of slavery in America.
Through her artwork, Dann encourages diverse communities where all forms of art and expression are valued. Her foundation, SJAC, provides art accessibility, with its purpose being to support and promote the art and artists of the South Jersey region through free community events, projects, and exhibitions. Dann also involves herself in community work such as offering classes at local libraries and high schools. Her goal is to inspire intersectionality and unity for artists and women, utilizing art as a tool to share stories.
“I [also] attempt to tell the stories of others I extensively research through an ongoing immersion into their lives." Dann explained. Much of the preparation that went into creating this exhibition involved Dann obtaining knowledge through books, podcasts, TV shows, and even music. By absorbing all this information, she felt better connected to the historical figures she painted.
She also has spent a lot of time studying women's art and women as artists, and since the authors of history often misinterpret or erase women's stories, Dann takes it upon herself to make these stories accurate, accessible, and interactive for her audience. Those who view her work are invited to think about the complex issues of the past and how they transcend to the modern day.
“She's always pushing the boundaries," shared Erika Gardner, Gloucester County Cultural and Heritage Commission's Gallery Director, “Especially as herself – as an artist and as a woman."
Those that wish to view the exhibition's combination of fine art and performance are invited to attend a special portrait viewing and live reenactment featuring Dr. Century on March 12 at 1 p.m. at the RCSJ Gloucester Campus College Center. For more information about the exhibition contact Erika Gardner at [email protected].
