Two Best Artists exhibit on SE Campus
by Brian Shults, reporter

    The Two Best Artists in the Country, John Hitt and Paul Jones, have their paintings on display at a free exhibit on the SE Campus.
    Contemporary artists Hitt and Jones may not be America’s best in everyone’s opinion, but the argument could be made and has been by Derrick White, curator of the exhibit.

    “I wanted the exhibit’s title to arouse curiosity, generate controversy and bring people to the campus to be exposed to two artists whom I consider the best in the country,” he said.

    Hitt and Jones are contemporary working artists who have something to contribute to students and anyone else who view their work because they strike a balance between originality and accessibility with the audience, White said.

    A sense of humor laden with social commentary combines to form two unique artistic attitudes with distinct styles. But probably what is most enticing about the paintings is the absence of cliché. Modern media and commercialization can sometimes leave the eyes weary of repetitious images and slogans; however, art has the potential to stop the barrage of flashing advertisements and give the viewer something to fixate on. Hitt and Jones accomplish both.

    Pop culture is not without its redeeming qualities, according to Jones, who credits it with inspiration for much of his work.

    “As a child I read MAD magazine and watched quite a bit of cartoons, which influenced my style. Later on in life, I was exposed to folk art and learned to combine elements of pop culture with what I call a suburban approach to folk art,” he said.

    According to White, “Jones uses relevant comments about our human condition by examining odd groupings of items and bizarre characters, typifying what we find important.”

    Disjointed images and a variety of painting techniques delineate Hitt’s paintings.

    “Internal and external conflict between people and their circumstances in the 21st century interest me, and I try to show that in my work. The future of art is very free and open. Modern artists have broken down several barriers, and I hope to add to that contribution,” he said.

    White said, “Hitt uses comic figurative forms and a large scale format to create work that captures visual attention and packs serious punch and commentary, which is why I consider him one of the two best artists in the country.”

    The exhibit will be displayed until Aug. 17 in the Art Corridor II. Hours are Monday-Thursday 8 a.m.-9 p.m.