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Savannah State University Showcases New Art Exhibit Featuring Debora Oden


“Thumbprints” is the title of one of the works now on display in Savannah State University’s art exhibition featuring Debora Oden.

SAVANNAH, GA -  Savannah State University’s (SSU) Visual and Performing Arts Program is featuring artist Debora Oden’s print installation titled, “Personal Flotation Device (PDF),” now on display through Sept. 30. Located on the university’s campus in the Kennedy Fine Arts Building, the Kennedy Fine Arts Gallery is available for viewing Monday - Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The exhibit features oversized prints, spans several years, and approaches structure and content from an intense personal desire to not be content with “playing it safe,” but acknowledging that structure, be it a system of rules, guidelines, or a thesis, can serve as a PDF.

“Water has always been a potent metaphor for me,” said Oden. “I love the fluid mark, the seemingly effortless gesture that moves around structure instead of pushing through it. The linear nature of a river creates a beautiful timeline.”

Oden won the Triennial Prize, 5th Egyptian International Print Triennial, Cairo, Egypt, and her work was included in the 3rd International Experimental Engraving Biennial at The Brancovian Palace Cultural Center in Mongsoala, Romania. Her prints can be found in The Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts collections, the Sheldon Memorial Art Gallery, the University of Dallas, the University of Nebraska, Hallmark Global Services, Grinnell College, and the Kohler Art Library.

The Department of Fine Arts, Humanities, and Wellness offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in visual and performing arts with disciplines in theatre, dance, music, and visual art. For more information, contact Savannah State University Director of Galleries, Dr. Christen Clougherty by calling 912-220-4652 or emailing cloughertyc@savannahstate.edu.

About Savannah State University
Established in 1890, Savannah State University is the first public historically black college or university in Georgia and the first institution of higher learning in the city of Savannah. Students select majors from 30 undergraduate and five graduate programs in four colleges — Business Administration, Education, Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, and Sciences and Technology.