Aldwyth exhibit full of personality

Like Cher, Bono or Madonna, the Hanes Art Center visiting lecturer goes by only one name — Aldwyth. And she has just as much personality as they do.

The 73-year-old South Carolinian artist’s work is on display now through Sunday at the Ackland Art Museum.

“Aldwyth has archived reproductions of old works, and she collages them into a fresh personal language,” said Cary Levine, a contemporary art history professor who introduced the lecture.

Her work ranges from small boxes depicting each letter of the alphabet to giant collages composed of encyclopedia illustrations arranged like the pattern of a quilt.

She spoke Tuesday night to a packed house with people spilling into the aisles of Hanes Art Center auditorium.

During her lecture, she covered the major events of her work’s history since 1953. Through colorful language and anecdotes, the artist’s strong personality came through.

And that personality was prominent during her conversation with Levine and the audience after her prepared speech.

“I bet someone wants to know the deal with the 123 eye balls, so who’s going to ask it? Who’s the asshole?” Aldwyth said of one of her large collage pieces, “Casablanca (classic version).”

At the end of the speech, Levine asked questions about her inspiration and motivation, such as if she was trying to make feminist art through her pieces.

“I never thought about that, except when I looked at my art history books. I don’t consider myself a feminist,” Aldwyth said. “It would be nice to have a wife.”

Aldwyth did not give elaborate answers, but some said it helped viewers retain their personal interpretations of the works.

“I could see why she wouldn’t want to explain something fully, just to leave it to your own imagination,” said Kelsey Zyvoloski, a recent UNC graduate. “It really helped me understand more of what she’s doing in her pieces and her thought process.”

Contact the Arts Editor at artsdesk@unc.edu.