The photography exhibit currently in the University Union Gallery is literally a hit.
Associated Students Inc. is featuring the striking works of Eric Herrmann, a third-year art and design student. The theme of the show, “Impact,” focuses on “the split second when two objects fuse together in a dazzling display of visual excitement that happens so quickly it is rarely seen by the human eye.”
Every piece in the exhibit portrays a moment of impact between
an object and clear water in vivid color on a stark black background. In an eye-catching and almost impossible presentation, the water sprays in all directions upon contact.
The top row of the display includes photos of splashing water in brilliant colors running the gamut.
For every two of these is one image hung underneath depicting the impact of a familiar object upon water. For instance, a red and gray bike helmet plunges into the liquid; even a can of Coke makes its way into the gallery.
The pictures of items hitting the water involved dropping them in a filled fish tank. The explosions of color were created by filling water balloons with paint and popping them.
The resulting effects were simple but sweet.
The opening of the show Wednesday evening attracted a crowd of around 50 students.
Kristin Savage, ASI Events Outreach Coordinator, said of the show, “It’s an exciting display that’s great for any viewer. It’s also an excellent opportunity for an art and design major to display his art on campus.”
Herrmann’s interest in photography began in high school about eight years ago when he took shots for his high school yearbook. He then took pictures for fun and it developed into “a minor obsession.”
While his previous pieces included landscape shots and travel pictures, he now enjoys studio photography, capturing powerful pictures of people and objects. He is also interested in abstract shots.
“I’ve converted my garage into a studio,” Herrmann said. “The walls are all white so I can use them as backgrounds for my pictures.”
Herrmann gave special thanks to Kyle Nekimken, Steven Hasegawa, and Danielle O’Neill for assisting him in the creation of his pieces.
The show is on display until Nov. 9 in the UU Gallery, located in the Epicenter on the second story of the UU.