Published on September 30, 2021 by Ashley Smith  
Room Gloeckler

“Disclosure considers the deceptive impact of an individual’s existence.  Transformation of unassuming furniture to complex assemblage; simultaneously related to deteriorating natural systems and confronts fundamental assumptions of comfort and contemporary lifestyle,” said guest artist Tad Gloeckler in his artist statement.

Disclosure will include pieces from Gloeckler’s “Room” collection and be installed in the Samford Art Gallery Oct.  19-Nov. 19. “'ROOM’ presents a carefully choreographed deployment sequence that methodically disassembles an unassuming piece of furniture and the wall assembly and floor system that support it. Project components are then reassembled into a series of eight intricate sculptural installations,” said Gloeckler.

Tad Gloeckler is a professor of art at the University of Georgia. Gloeckler has been teaching for over 20 years and is both a Registered Architect and a Certified Interior Designer.

“This exhibition is the first to feature a guest artist that is deliberately making work that straddles and integrates the discourses of architecture, interior design, and sculpture. It is also different from many of our recent exhibitions in that it will be featuring primarily (if not exclusively) three-dimensional works,” said Evans.

Charles Ford, professor of architecture and interior design at Samford prompted the exhibit. “Tad is a talented artist/designer. I first became familiar with his work at the Interior Design Education Council (IDEC) conferences, where he presented his creative scholarship. I found his work incredibly intricate and thoughtful. His work ignited my interest in the use of a laser cutter as a tool for design ideation. I believe his work will inspire the creativity of our students and faculty,” said Ford.

Prior to his appointment as a professor, Gloeckler spent a decade working as an architect. The works that he’ll be sharing in this exhibition are sculptural objects that engage aspects  of furniture/architecture/interior design but also function as fine art objects. “Our architecture and interior design students have a strong foundation in studio art courses and Gloeckler’s work is a great example for how art and design practices can inform one another in some really meaningful and dynamic ways,” said Evans.

“As a sculptor myself, I’m especially excited to be showcasing this body of Gloeckler’s three-dimensional work and look forward to having the opportunity to tie the show into my sculpture class curriculum,” said Evans.

The Art Gallery is featuring numerous exhibits as part of the Clarence Brooks Art and Design Series.  Matter + Spirit runs until Oct. 7.  A student exhibit will end this semester.  In the spring, art and design faculty will share work,  guest artist Jamaal Barber will have an installation and then the remaining portion of the spring will feature student work.

 
Samford is a leading Christian university offering undergraduate programs grounded in the liberal arts with an array of nationally recognized graduate and professional schools. Founded in 1841, Samford is the 87th-oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. Samford enrolls 6,101 students from 45 states, Puerto Rico and 16 countries in its 10 academic schools: arts, arts and sciences, business, divinity, education, health professions, law, nursing, pharmacy and public health. Samford fields 17 athletic teams that compete in the tradition-rich Southern Conference and ranks 6th nationally for its Graduation Success Rate among all NCAA Division I schools.