The Willing Participant examines rules of conformity

Who
R. Eric McMaster, Master of Fine Arts candidate in the ASU Herberger College School of Art's sculpture program

What
R. Eric McMaster's thesis exhibition, The Willing Participant, examines the questions of power and vulnerability, and their relation to societal structures. The exhibition features clear sports uniforms made of acrylic and vinyl, as well as photographs of athletes wearing the uniforms.

R. Eric McMaster is interested in roles defined by societal structures in daily life. Using sports as a metaphor for society, McMaster investigates the participation and uniformity inherent in group relationships. Players in sports submit to rules and regulations; these willing participants abide by particular structures in order to more fully engage with the group activity. By creating clear sports uniforms, uniformity is traded for individuality; simultaneously, the intimidating icon is rendered vulnerable.

Where
Harry Wood Gallery
School of Art Building, 120
ASU Tempe campus
Forest and Tyler malls

When
Exhibition: Feb. 4–8, 2008 
Reception: Mon., Feb. 4, 7–9 p.m. 
Gallery Hours: Mon.–Thurs., 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; Fri., 9 a.m.–3 p.m. 

Cost
Free

Public Contact
Lise Hawkos
Director, Harry Wood Gallery
480.965.6163
lise.hawkos@asu.edu

The School of Art is a division of the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts at Arizona State University. Its printmaking, photography and art education programs are nationally ranked in the top 10, and its Master of Fine Arts program is ranked eighth among public institutions by U.S.News & World Report. The school includes four student galleries for solo and group shows by graduate and undergraduate art and photography students: Gallery 100, Harry Wood, Northlight and Step. To learn more about the School of Art, visit art.asu.edu.

Media Contact:
Lise Hawkos
Director, Harry Wood Gallery
480.965.6163
lise.hawkos@asu.edu