Dismukes discusses ‘Liminal’ artwork – The Troy Messenger

When an audience gathers for an enrichment event, their responses are, most often of the visual. Such as it was at noon Wednesday when Sara Dismukes, a professor of Art & Design at Troy University for 18 years, was featured at an artist’s talk at the university’s International Art Center.

Dismukes, talked casually with university students, professors and townspeople about her ICA exhibit, “Liminal,” which means between or belonging to two different places. Or, as in Dismukes’ paintings, at two different times.

Carrie Jaxon, IAC director and curator, said, through Sara Dismukes’ paintings and cyanotypes, she captures elements that often go unnoticed and/or unappreciated by others.

Throughout Dismukes’ artist talk, the audience nodded in cognition of the abandoned and forgotten road signs, many of which are lingering along busy U.S. Highway 231 between Troy and Montgomery.

Some of the forgotten signs had beckoned motorists to stop at a greasy spoon restaurant, a lonely motel or, perhaps, a used car lot. Some, in the audience know about those places.

Dismukes’ paintings chronicle the passing of time along highways and byways. And her “pillars of the past,” are paintings of forgotten, towering, rusting signs, and offer a new way of looking at the rural scene and finding beauty in things forgotten.

But, even with rusting relics, and other unappreciated reminders of yesteryear, there is reason for them to be, Dismukes said. The relics that have been left behind bring attention to lasting beauty, no matter where it might be found or, If only we take time to see.”

“Sara Dismukes’ appreciation for forgotten things is evident in her backgrounds that are absolutely amazing and enhance her appreciation of forgotten things,’ said Robert Thompson. “Through her artwork, I realize that I have been looking but not seeing or maybe not caring. That, recognition is  encouragement for me to look at forgotten things in a different way and in a more appreciative way. A rusting sign is no longer an eyesore, it’s art.   

Jaxon said Dismukes’ paintings and cyanotypes, capture elements that often escape notice, prompting reflection on their passage of time, the changing economy, and deterioration by nature.

“Many visitors will recognize these forgotten landmarks that line the stretch of High 231 between Troy and Montgomery,” she said. “This exhibition invites viewers to reconsider the insight found in the in-between moments, the neglected, and the forgotten reflections of the economy and our past.”