AS IT LAYS, 2012 employs the television talk-show format as a platform to produce contemporary portraits. Using his own flat and backdrop works as set, Israel interviewed some of Hollywood’s most fascinating personalities in a manner that is uncomfortably blank and stoic. The work investigates the absurd behaviors and quotidian rituals that make up the waking hours of each subject’s life. Through an awkward hilarity, these interviews deflate the mystique of Hollywood, engaging each participant in a humbling performance of the self. Exhibition held in the New Genres Gallery space.
In 2013, Salt Lake Community College rolled out the red carpet for its new state-of-the-industry Center for Arts and Media, serving about 9,000 students with 17 programs under one roof as part of the School of Arts and Communication.Located at the school's South City Campus in Salt Lake City, the Center's emphasis is a strong focus in digital arts. Instructors are training students for jobs in animation, illustration, photography, film, TV, video and radio production, web design, visual art and design, virtual technologies, music and digital sound technology, computer graphics, gaming and electronic publishing. "I believe it can change the landscape of how we in higher education nurture our students toward either transferable degrees with our sister USHE (Utah System of Higher Education) institutions or the vibrant industry within the digital disciplines," said SLCC School of Arts, Communication and Media Dean Richard Scott. "A facility like this will enable us to provide world class, industry standard experiences for the state's digital student."
