GRAND RAPIDS – Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University will present “Syd Mead: Progressions,” a captivating exhibition of work by legendary artist Syd Mead.
The exhibition, touring the country, is a retrospective of more than 50 years of Mead’s artwork, ranging from selections from his academic years to his most current works. The exhibition will also premiere Mead’s latest painting, Shoulder of Orion, inspired by the famous final words of a character from the iconic science fiction film, Blade Runner.
The “Syd Mead: Progressions” exhibition demonstrates the artist’s uncanny ability to take contemporary concepts and translate them into believable and practical visions of the future, earning him the title of “Visual Futurist.” “Syd Mead: Progressions” includes finished paintings that capture everything from conceptual terrestrial and extraterrestrial vehicles to interplanetary resort destinations.
The motion picture industry has recognized Mead’s unique ability to envisage the future, and his art direction is an intrinsic part of many feature films such as Star Trek: The Motion Picture, Blade Runner, Short Circuit, Aliens, Time Cop, Johnny Mnemonic, District 9, and most recently, Elysium, due for release in 2013.
Mead has also completed concept and design work for a number of major Japanese clients, including Sony, Minolta and Honda, as well as contributing to two Japanese film projects. In addition, Mead created designs for two Japanese toy icons, “The New Yamato” and all of the robot characters in the new Turn-A Gundam mobile suite series, which are also seen as characters in television shows.
Mead, who graduated from Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, will present a lecture on Thursday, Nov. 8 at 7 p.m. in Kendall’s Historic Federal Building Auditorium. Limited seating is available for this free event, open to the public.
“Syd Mead: Progressions”
Exhibition:
Kendall College of Art and Design Historic Federal Building Galleries
17 Pearl Street NW
Oct. 23 through Dec. 7
Artist’s lecture:
Thursday, Nov. 8, 7 p.m.
Historic Federal Building Auditorium
17 Pearl Street NW
Gallery Hours:
Tuesday – Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. or by appointment.
As a unique part of Ferris State University, Kendall College of Art and Design prepares students for leadership in the visual arts, design, art history, and art education; provides innovative, collaborative education that fosters intellectual growth and individual creativity; and promotes the ethical and civic responsibilities of artists and designers, locally and globally.