All Types of Love

By Xiaoying Wu Hong

A photograph of a mother’s arm gently resting over her daughter’s head. A family portrait in warm shades of gold. A snapshot of a friend, illuminated by a soft light.

“All Types of Love,” a Valentine’s Day Show hosted by Students of Caribbean Ancestry (SOCA) and The Forum Art Space, featured collections of work from the student body exploring the theme of love. Its opening reception was held in The Forum at The Stood on Wednesday.

Kerrin McCarthy, treasurer of SOCA and intern at The Forum, pitched the exhibition to explore varieties of love and what it means for others.

 “It’s a really beautiful show idea,” said Nikki Salvestrini, co-director of The Forum and senior arts management major. “This can involve larger conversations about love in The Forum.”

Nikki Salvestrini with their painting. (Photo by Xiaoying Wu Hong)

The Forum Art Space, a student-run art gallery located in the Stood, is a service on campus that strives to create a creative space for students of all disciplines to showcase their art.

With works ranging from traditional paintings to performance arts, the gallery becomes a compilation of independent student works.

The Forum hosts several solo exhibitions throughout the semester, primarily from BFA students. But they also open numerous calls for art for group shows. Each exhibition is open from Wednesday to Sunday.

“We’re really trying to open up the space to people outside of the VA (Visual Arts),” senior art history major and co-director of The Forum Pattie Jane Allen said. “We include everyone.”

“All Types of Love” will showcase works from Purchase College students, all from different fields of study. The exhibition aims to reframe the idea of love beyond the romantic kind.

“Love, for me, at its core is consideration,” senior communications major Justin Knowles said. “Taking the time to think about one another and to factor them into your decisions is love.”

 Most of his works feature portraits of his friends. He submitted photographs of one of his closest friends, Madison DaCosta, in drag. The two of them work closely together with their own respective arts to create something uniquely beautiful.

Justin Knowles with his photographs of Madison DaCosta. (Photo by Xiaoying Wu Hong)

Amaya Chavez, a junior visual arts major, photographed drag performers in Massachusetts. Many of whom were close friends and part of a drag family with them.

 “Love can be portrayed in different forms,” Chavez said. “I want to be able to portray not only the love of friendships, but also the love that these performers have for drag.”

Amaya Chavez with their photographs of drag artists. (Photo by Xiaoying Wu Hong)

Allen also turned in a submission for this exhibition. “As an outsider of the VA with a passion for art, it’s great to have opportunities like this to showcase work.”

Her work revolves around the heart, fitting for the theme. “I use the human heart as a personal symbol, but it’s also a universal symbol,” Allen said. “Since SOCA is putting on a show representing all kinds of love, I figured, why not?”

Although Valentine’s Day is commonly celebrated for romantic love, SOCA and The Forum Art Space exhibition will be highlighting love of every kind. Whether it be familiar or the treasured bonds shared between friends.

The Forum Art Space interns installing works for “All Types of Love.” (Photo by Xiaoying Wu Hong)

“Romantic love usually takes center on Valentine’s Day,” McCarthy said, “but it’s a holiday to be reminded of all forms of love in your life.”