The work of three University of Arkansas at Little Rock faculty members from the Department of Art and Design has been selected for the “Nasty Woman” exhibition at Henderson State University. 

Mia Hall, interim chair of the Department of Art and Design, Joli Livaudais, assistant professor of photography, and Heidi Hogden, visiting professor of painting, are among 32 female artists from across the nation whose work will be on display March 1-31 in the Russell Fine Arts Gallery at Henderson State.

The exhibit, which is held in celebration of Women’s History Month, explores women’s perspectives — from reflection on historic female figures, to contemporary issues involving the female body, the political climate, and varied iterations of the experience of being a 21st century woman.

Livaudais’ work, “The Mother, Exhumed,” is a life-size casting of a woman’s upper body made from epoxy resin and photographs of bees and bee hives.

“It ought to be a really great show, and I am proud to be in the company of so many fierce women artists,” Livaudais said.

The title of the show, “Nasty Woman,” stems from recent events. During the third presidential debate in October 2016, President Donald Trump responded to a comment made about him by Hillary Clinton, who was answering a question about social security, by remarking, “Such a nasty woman.” On Twitter, #NastyWoman was trending within minutes.

“While it was first mentioned in a derogatory context, it has become a uniting force among women across the globe,” Margo Duvall, assistant professor of photography at Henderson State, said in a press release. “For many, it represents strength, unity, and the ability to use one’s voice to be heard. The participating artists interpret their reactions through a dynamic use of photography, printmaking, painting, sculpture, and video pieces.”

An opening reception will be held in the gallery from 2-4 p.m. March 1. The reception will include poetry readings, discussions of the work, and a chance to meet with participating artists.

The gallery is on the first floor of the Russell Fine Arts Building at Henderson State University in Arkadelphia. It is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Gallery admission is free.

In the upper right photo, Joli Livaudais’ work, “The Mother, Exhumed,” will be on display at the “Nasty Woman” exhibit at Henderson State University.