A new art exhibition in Hopkins Hall attempts to show students and faculty that even small gestures can have a big impact.

“Gesture (inclusive)” features paintings, films, photographs and sculptures that examine the meaning behind gestures.

“Gesture is something such as time; we think we know what it is until we’re asked to define it,” said Prudence Gill, the curator and director of the gallery.

The exhibit is running in conjunction with “Gesture at Large: An Interdisciplinary Conference on Gesture.”

Participants in the conference will discuss the various interpretations of the word Feb. 25 and 27.

Gill wanted to include a range of interpretations of the meaning of gesture in the exhibit, she said.

Professor emeritus E.F. Hebner’s drawing from 1948 is the oldest piece in the show and is one of several of Hebner’s works on display.

Three recent pieces center on apology and are from a large collection by Otterbein faculty member Takeshi Moro.

“Pedestal for Apology: Elizabeth and Farmers” shows a woman bowing on a crowded street.

“Pedestal for Apology: Self Portrait” is a photo of the artist bowing in the snow. He took the photo on Dec. 7, a gesture of apology for Pearl Harbor. His red coat against the snow gives the illusion of the Japanese flag.

There is a large white block in front of Moro’s photographs. Guests are invited to bow on it to continue the gesture of apology.

“His work signifies a lot,” said Todd Slaughter, whose work is also on display.

Gill requested Slaughter show his piece called “Grinding Knuckles,” which was exhibited at Ohio State in 1989. The piece is two fists that rub together, creating dust.

“People came up and psychoanalyzed me and said it came from what was going on in my life at the time. … My mother died,” Slaughter said.

“Cupped Hands,” also by Slaughter, is two hands that turn, as if pouring something.

A film by five artists will run continuously. Mark Harris’ segment features him painting on the paper towels from a dispenser in a public bathroom and ends with a confrontation with the police.

There are several interactive pieces. One incorporates computers and the gestures people make when working with a mouse. Visitors are encouraged to make drawings with a mouse and their work will be put on display.

Visitors can also come to a meditation room to spend time with artist Dina Sherman.

“I was making soup for my friends and I only used the L, O, V and E parts from alphabet soup,” Sherman said. “The soup is now loveless, and since I’m superstitious, I’m meditating the love back into it.”

The soup will be served on Feb. 25.

Visitors can also purchase a small piece by Nicole Langille for $10.
The proceeds from her project go to the Red Cross for relief in Haiti.

The walls of the exhibit are outlined with quotes about gestures done in calligraphy by alumni Brook Simmons, whose untitled piece is on display at the door.

“People from every discipline could come and make a connection, and that is unique,” Gill said.

“Gesture (inclusive)” runs until March 3 in Hopkins Hall Gallery and Corridor.