More than 100 contest submission flooded in throughout the winter quarter, but in there would only be three winners chosen from 20 finalists.
The Lost Art contest, sponsored SCAD-Atlanta’s art history department was held April 3.
Contest participants were required to re-create one piece of documented artwork from a renowned artist that was lost in history.
The contest, created by professors Emily Webb and Anthony Mangieri, was divided into two categories: ancient to modern art, and the modern art pieces from 20th century.
“We were hoping to come up with some sort of event catered specifically to art students of Atlanta,” said Webb. “I believe this would promote the students’ creativity. It’s a great way to get their creative juices flowing without a paper to write.
“We conceived the project in the fall quarter and implemented in the winter quarter. This way the students can gain new perspective through the hands-on experiences.”
Webb said some of the submissions came from students who weren’t enrolled in any of the art history classes, including a piece called “Venus in Front of a Mirror,” by a student volunteer.
Each of the 20 Lost Art finalists presented their work, discussed their interpretations of the original artwork and described the techniques they used to make their replications authentic.
Their varied works included a gilded model of Alexander the Great’s funeral carriage, a camera obscura, an authentic salt print negative, a Jackson Pollock mimic, a frottage piece that mimicked Surrealist Max Ernst and a feminist video introducing bathroom utensils.
Three awards were given: the best featured work from the ancient period, best featured work from the modern period, and best in show for overall quality.
Second-year painting student Lynda Haynes took home the award in the ancient to modern category for her Iphigeneia painting.
In the same category, fourth-year printmaking student, Aaron York received honorable mention for his salt print.
The 20th century art category winners were second year fashion students Roberta Brown and Alicia Jaeger, for their Martha Rosler video performance.
Honorable mention in that category went to third-year fashion student Maria Ah for her Surrealist frottage.
Third-year fashion student Nicole Saxon’s re-creation of Jackson Pollock’s action painting nabbed the best in show honor.
Webb said she was impressed by the students’ performances.
“It’s exciting to start a new tradition and have it as something our own,” she said. “Something the Atlanta students would be honored to be part of.”