A new exhibit at the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art will feature the work of Oregon artist and Reed College professor Geraldine Ondrizek. The display will be available to the public Sept. 2 until Dec. 14.
Titled “Shades of White,” Ondrizek’s exhibit explores concepts related to genetics, ethnic identity and disease through steel and silk designs that have been specifically created for the university museum.
The artwork is an interpretation of the Gates skin color charts used by eugenicists until the early 1900s as tools to visually represent differences in skin color and classify entire populations based on biologic traits.
Ondrizek’s art pieces are both a critique of the Gates method of racial labeling as well as a celebration of diversity. She is inspired by the work of Dr. Alexandra Minna Stern, a University of Michigan historian and professor who examines the history of eugenics and racial discrimination in the United States during the 20th century.
Ondrizek will give an artist’s talk at the museum Nov. 8 at 2 p.m. She will discuss her artistic influences as well as the academic research that went into the making of the exhibit.
—By Nathaniel Brown, Public Affairs Communications intern