Laarman to Present Senior Art Show

Dordt University art and design major Melissa Laarman’s senior art show “Hands Reflecting Time” will be on display April 25 to May 14 in the Art Department Gallery located in the Ribbens Academic Complex. Her show consists of a series of photographs, handprints, and written reflection.

“All my artwork contains the subject of hands,” says Laarman. “As we journey through the seasons of life, our hands reveal the memoir that has been written.”

Using her art to unfold stories, Laarman explored how physical bodies reflect where people have come from and what they’ve been through. She seeks to encourage contemplation for how the physical body reveals the passing of time.

“I started off by capturing each person holding a pen as a symbol of our stories being written. While taking these photos I asked each person a series of questions. These handwritten responses can be seen along with the photographs.”

Each person also made a handprint with black acrylic paint that will be displayed alongside the photographs and responses.

To learn more about Dordt University’s Art and Design Department visit Dordt.edu/art.

As an institution of higher education committed to the Reformed Christian perspective, Dordt University equips students, faculty, alumni, and the broader community to work toward Christ-centered renewal in all aspects of contemporary life. Dordt, located in Sioux Center, Iowa, is a comprehensive university named to the best college lists by U.S. News and World Report, Forbes.com, The Wall Street Journal, Washington Monthly, and Princeton Review. To learn more, visit dordt.edu.