Emily ChristensenAdelia Wise began fertility treatments around the same time she entered graduate school. Three years later, she has twin boys and a body of work that explores the path she took to motherhood.
Wise’s thesis exhibition, “According to Plan,” includes a series of charcoal works that reveal deeply personal subject matter, including fertility, relationship dynamics and the challenges she faced as a new mother. A public closing reception will be held from 2–5 p.m. May 31 at Vertigo 232 Gallery, 232 N. Market Street.
Most of the images in the exhibition are larger-than-life, forcing the viewer to consider common experiences that often go undiscussed.
Wise used charcoal and gesso for the larger works. While all are based on photographs, each image contains both granular detail and gestural strokes.
“That was a decision and a process that I made as I got more confident,” Wise said. “You can definitely tell where I wanted to leave whole parts open and undone.”
A series on handmade recycled paper brings Wise’s open and irreverent approach to the trials of breastfeeding. Wise balances pain with humor in works such as “WTF is a Hair Tourniquet” and “Slacker Boob(s).”
A graduate of East High School and Kansas State, Wise was a middle-school art teacher for five years before entering graduate school. During her time at WSU, Wise taught drawing to students in the School of Art, Design and Creative Industries. She plans to continue teaching on the post-secondary level.
“I like teaching almost as much as I like making art,” Wise said. “I believe in the power of art to change the culture, and it’s exciting to share that with college students.”
She’s not abandoning her studio practice, though. As Wise worked on her thesis, she made notes for future projects.
Although she’s “leaving babies behind” for now, Wise is still interested in exploring the dynamic between nature and modern medicine.
See more of Wise’s work on Instagram: @addiethewiser.