The Methodist University Department of Art announces “Transformation,” a senior exhibition by Methodist University student Loreto Oreckinto. The exhibition will hold its opening reception from 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 3, in the David McCune International Art Gallery, where the artist will be on hand to discuss her work.
The Methodist University Department of Art announces “Transformation,” a senior exhibition by Methodist University student Loreto Oreckinto. The exhibition will hold its opening reception from 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 3, in the David McCune International Art Gallery, where the artist will be on hand to discuss her work.
The show will run until Dec. 12 during normal gallery hours, which are Tuesday through Fridays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The gallery is closed weekends, Mondays, and school breaks.
Oreckinto was born in Chile but lived in Canada for much of her childhood, and moved to the United States when she was 16 years old. Having to move from one country to another has inspired her to paint what she cherishes the most, her family. In 2007, she graduated with an associate degree in fine arts from Hudson County Community College. This winter, she will graduate from Methodist University with a bachelor’s degree in art with a concentration in painting in 2015.
“My nomadic childhood gave me an appreciation for stability, which is reflected in my highly structured compositions,” Oreckinto said. “When I start a painting, rather than being spontaneous, I tend to follow a set of rules. In addition, I appreciate the principles of classical style of painting and I tried to apply these rules to my own work. My goal is to be able to combine reality with surrealism because that is what I see. Additionally, I want to be able to project my life experiences through art and would like to connect with those people who have had to leave their home in order to reach their goals and dreams.”
At Methodist, Oreckinto received the Anthony J. Delapa Art Achievement Award and the Lois Ferrari Memorial Art Scholarship. During her path as an art major, she worked with acrylic and oil on canvas, pencil and charcoal on paper, a few printmaking techniques on paper, ceramics, and black and white photography. After graduation, she plans to move to New York and seek a teaching certificate.
“My work is very personal at this point in my artistic career; my focus is on myself and the people who matter to me,” Oreckinto said. “I also feel there is a connection between people and nature. For example, trees can represent the family tree and butterflies symbolize my mother’s free spirit. I primarily work in acrylics, although I enjoy experimenting new media as the opportunities presents itself.”