Vissepó’s 'Fantastical Views' creates space to connect

By Kalen Russell, Assistant Director of Communications and Marketing

On Thursday, August 27, University School of Nashville hosted an opening reception for “Fantastical Views,” an exhibition by Yanira Vissepó.

Born in 1991 in Santurce, Puerto Rico, and based in Nashville, Tennessee, Vissepó creates vibrant paintings using techniques including stain painting, cyanotype, dye resists, hand embroidery, and traditional woodblock printing. Her work is heavily influenced by her experience living in the Puerto Rican Diaspora and examines her culture's ecosystem through the natural world. 

“It’s very calming, and it has warmth to it that a lot of exhibits don’t have. It’s cohesive, and you can see a connection throughout the work. It has this inner glow that’s very approachable,” said High School Art Teacher and Tibbott Art Gallery Curator Andy King, who regards the exhibit as sublime.

King strives to spark students’ inspiration by connecting them to contemporary artists. Vissepó’s exhibit is one of seven that will be featured in the Tibbott Art Gallery this school year under King’s direction.

“It’s good to have students seeing what’s going on right now. Art and art history classes typically focus on things from a long time ago. Here [in Tibbott] we have art created as recently as last month. It’s also demystifying what it means to be an artist right now. What is her creative process and life outside of the studio like? Students get to pick their brains about how they think and approach the work,“ said King.

“I love that I’m showing at a school. Students are just forming their minds; art is a great tool for being curious about the world,” said Vissepó, whose artwork often serves as a medium for connection.

“My favorite thing [about the exhibit] is the representation here. It’s always nice seeing a fellow Puerto Rican. The vivid landscapes are a part of Puerto Rican art history,” said Asha Guha ‘28, who gained insight into Vissepó’s work through an independent study.

A placard placed at the entrance of the entrancing exhibit includes a quote from Vissepó, “As an artist living in the Diaspora — I represent ideas of transition, environmental impacts, and impose healing through bursts of deep colors, vibrant organic forms, and stylized landscapes.”

“I use hybrid plants to represent new ideas that we as humans can create a better world for each other. I morph and mutate plants into new species to represent that,” said Vissepó.

Vissepó’s advice for students who are emerging as artists is, “To keep working at it, and if they really love it, they will never give up.”

The impact of USN’s Art Department is not confined to the halls of the Christine Slayden Tibbott Center. Students often engage with art in ways that transcend traditional classroom learning.

“We’ve gone and visited Yanira as a group at Elephant Gallery. It’s great for them. An artist’s explanation is always better. It’s not always this big, intimidating thing. [Explanation] can come by way of conversation,” said High School Art Teacher Chris Cheney.

“Fantastical Views,” on display in the Tibbott Art Gallery through September 25, is an exhibit with which King said he hopes students take the time to engage and interact.

“Anytime a person can get exposed to any art, it is a positive and can enrich their being whether they realize it or not,” said King.