The Von Auersperg gallery has a new exhibit titled limn·inal, authored by visiting artist Donnabelle Casis. The exhibit is on display from August 24th to November 2, and features brightly colored and abstract pieces that make use of various textures, colors, and depths.
The gallery is primarily a learning gallery where students can learn about different styles of visual art and how artists further their statement through visual elements. According to the gallery’s website, it is “intentionally designed to create a dynamic interaction between the works of art exhibited and themes in [the Deerfield Academy] curriculum.”
Casis’s work encompasses a wide range of medias including dyed fiber art, metal sculptures, and gouache paint, an opaque watercolor, on canvas. As a Filipina-American artist living in Western Massachusetts, she draws inspiration from the symbols and patterns of Filipino tribal imagery and storytelling. She also has a special interest in metaphysics, and tries to channel her experiences as a medium into her artwork. In addition to her career as an artist, she helps multiple nonprofit organizations aimed at helping artists gain recognition, including ArtSalon, Avaliable Potential Experiences Gallery, Ltd., and the arts festival Florence Night Out.
One of her most notable works is a kinetic sculpture installation titled “Airy Luminary” for the exhibition Art in the Orchard 2023, and is displayed outside at Park Hill Orchard in East Hampton, MA. Art in the Orchard is a biennial event that celebrates sculptures. Casis’s sculptures were made from laser cut aluminum sheets, rods, and bearings which were all powder coated and spray painted to inspire colors onto the metallic pieces. The colors chosen are not arbitrary, specifically selected to blend in with the natural environment.
In addition to Art in the Orchard, Casis has been featured at the Museum of History and Industry, Albany International Airport, TurnPark Artspace, PULP, Tacoma Art Museum, Newport Art Museum, among others. The exhibits title is a combination of two words, limn and liminal, with limn meaning “to depict or portray” and liminal meaning “occupying a position at, or on both sides of, a boundary or a threshold.” The concept of liminal space, which connects to the namesake theme of the exhibition, is present throughout the displays. The art attempts to capture a balance between the trinity of reality and imagination, space, and earth, the three concepts that capture the essence of liminality.
Ryan Bai ’26, Head Layout Editor of the Scroll and visual art student, said “Liminal can also mean exposure to a new universe. [The exhibit] speaks to a theme of something so unfamiliar… exposure to the stars, geometric shapes bring forth emotions not felt in daily life.” Bai noted his appreciation for Casis’s use of various geometric forms rather than identifiable figures to convey her broader message.
Dean of Studies Lydia Hempill explained the reason behind Casis’ selection: “We chose [Casis’ art] for a fall show because I thought it would be…fun, dynamic, intriguing to students… as they start the school year. ” Ms. Hemphill further elaborated that the main objectives of the gallery were threefold: to give students a place to feel inspired, surround themselves with art, and take some time for themselves.
Ms. Hemphill added that her personal favorite part of the exhibit was the mobiles. Reminiscent of the toys that dangle above baby cots, mobiles are the abstract, organic pieces of art that hang from a string attached to the ceiling. Khloe Peña ’28, a student who visited the gallery said that the paintings, “reminded me of a black hole. It sucked me in.” Referencing the four largest paintings in the exhibit, Peña shared, “I thought pieces of them looked like mushrooms and funguses from the earth…but the vibrant colors made it look otherworldly. Also, [there were] other pieces with black with white dots that reminded me of stars in the night sky.”
Regarding the exhibition, Bai said, “I think it is fantastic for art students who want to learn about contemporary forms of art. However, I wish the Academy could introduce pieces that speak to broader audiences.” In the future, he hopes that the gallery exhibits art pieces that relate more concretely to individual identities of world views so they “can be more relatable [to students],” Bai remarked.
Students have referenced the profound impact the artworks have had on their thinking. Peña remarked, “I remember [this particular piece of artwork] because every night, before I go to bed, I think about it because it’s one of those paintings that gets stuck in the back of your mind.”
