A textile sculpture by artist Hanna Washburn on display during the opening reception for “Connective Tissue” at the UCF Art Gallery on Thursday. Washburn constructs her soft sculptures using recycled fabrics, furniture and hand-stitching techniques.
By. Angel Rodriguez
The white walls of the UCF Art Gallery transformed Thursday into a soft, immersive landscape as Hudson Valley-based sculptor Hanna Washburn unveiled her latest exhibition, “Connective Tissue.”
As part of an annual series hosted by the UCF School of Visual Arts and Design, the gallery features Washburn as its professional artist for the fall semester. Washburn, a sculptor who earned her MFA from the School of Visual Arts in New York, has been exhibiting work nationally since 2018. Before arriving at UCF, her work was featured in exhibitions across Brooklyn, Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, and Katonah, New York.
UCF Art Gallery Director Shannon Lindsey said the school invites outside artists once a semester to expose students to distinct styles and mediums. Visiting artists pitch their concepts to gallery and program directors, who select work that complements the curriculum. Visiting artists also conduct masterclasses in SVAD classrooms.
Lindsey noted that Washburn was selected specifically to address a gap in the current curriculum.
“We don’t have a textiles area, where some universities might have that,” Lindsey said. “That was a draw—the use of a particular process and material that maybe our students hadn’t really considered before.”
Washburn’s sculptures are known for incorporating recycled textiles, furniture, and household items. Through these soft materials and bright colors, she aims to evoke a sense of physical and emotional connection.
“The idea of connective tissue is a term from biology—our bodily tissues that function in a connected way,” Washburn said. “In a broader sense, my work is about drawing connections between memories, the past, childhood and the disparate parts of myself.”
Washburn’s journey to UCF was distinct from her typical collections.
“[Traveling to Florida] actually really encouraged me to think creatively about how to pack them up and shift them,” Washburn said. “Which was a practical issue, but I feel like that actually influenced the way I was thinking about the show and how I would be able to make things I could transport.”
Washburn said this exhibition reflects a shift in her personal life.
“I relatively recently had my second child, so I’m in a slightly new phase of life, seeing things a little differently, and this is my first emergence from the postpartum bubble,” Washburn said. “Every exhibition is different. Responding to the space and the community where I’m exhibiting is different.”
She hopes visitors spend time and examine the details that make up her art.
“I hope people are drawn into the work and want to spend time with it,” Washburn said. “My work is time-intensive and detail-oriented. I feel like I have a lot of hidden moments in various pieces that I hope people feel compelled to investigate.”
Students attending the opening reception noted how the gallery’s layout transformed the viewing experience.
Senior studio art major Catarina Mazzi shared what stood out most to her after walking through the gallery.
“The arrangement of the objects in the room is sort of elaborate,” Catarina Mazzi, a senior studio art major, said. “I think the purple really makes it stand out. It makes it a different space than just a white gallery with work in it feels like a space for this show.”
Sydney Bosch, a senior studio art major, also attended the opening and left feeling impacted by the work inside.
“It feels like immersion,” Bosch said. “Rather than just observing something on a white wall, I feel like the choice of the artist to have so many hanging sculptures and these purple walls and the height of the sculptural displays also engage with the space in a landscape-y way; I’m definitely impressed by that.”
Washburn will continue engaging with SVAD students and gallery visitors during her residency.
“I always love an opportunity to come to a new place, to meet new people and also see the gallery, which is gorgeous,” Washburn said. “I love exhibiting at schools, particularly schools with an engaged student population.”
“Connective Tissue” runs through Oct. 9 at the UCF Art Gallery. Following its conclusion, the gallery will host the SVAD faculty exhibit beginning Oct. 22.