Jason Van Wyk’s exhibit “Apocolyptic Vision” will soon be on display at the Te Paske Art Gallery, featuring subjects such as angelic beings and the end times.
The exhibit itself includes a wide variety of art mediums including large-scaled and free-standing figurative clay sculptures, oil paintings, stone lithography prints, intaglio etchings, oil pastel and graphite drawings.
Many of Van Wyk’s pieces have been shown regionally before, but this is the first time the collection will be exhibited all together, making Northwestern very privileged to host this inaugural event.
Van Wyk is a Dordt professor emeritus who maintains his own studio right here in Iowa. He focuses primarily on printmaking and clay sculpture but is well versed in oil paintings, oil pastel and graphite drawings as well.
Together, the pieces all represent Van Wyk’s passion for the mysteries of God.
“I’m intrigued by the mystery of angelic beings and visionary biblical accounts of the end times,” Van Wyk said. “My art explores metaphors for God’s mysterious presence and revelation to his people as well as the transcendental nature of symbolic imagery and awesome spiritual power.”
Additionally, one of the larger pieces within the exhibit, “Submission,” won Best of Show in the Orange City Arts Council’s 2017 Regional Exhibition.
“We invited Jake because he is a versatile artist who articulates his ideas and processes very well,” Emily Stokes, Associate Professor of Art, said. “In recent years, we have hosted Jake as a visiting artist in a printmaking class, and he served as a juror for the annual spring student art show. He has a tremendous work ethic and love of craft that we believe is valuable for community members to see.”
Students should take this opportunity to see the art of this Iowa artist because it’s a rare opportunity to see and learn about visual art in Sioux County. Jake will present a variety of artwork – ceramics, prints and drawings – so students will be able to see how his ideas and style translate across different mediums.
Stokes added, “Jake is very energetic and students across all disciplines would benefit from hearing him speak at the reception.” This gallery will be a valuable experience no matter what a student’s major or background in art is.
Finally, the pure ingenuity and large scale of Van Wyk’s pieces make this exhibit one for the books, with two of the pieces weighing over 500 pounds and standing at least five feet tall. “The exhibit highlights Jake’s versatility and ease with moving from ceramics to printmaking,” Stokes said. “He is probably best known for his functional ceramics, but he will be presenting an ambitiously sized sculptural ceramic work that departs from expectation.”
“Apocalyptic Vision” will be in the Te Paske Gallery from Nov 5 through Dec 7. Van Wyk will undoubtedly be sharing his wisdom at the reception on Nov 5th, which begins at 6:30 p.m. Van Wyk will share about his work at 7 p.m. 
