COD student engages visitors with art exhibit

David Connell doesn't consider himself a mainstream kind of guy.

So it stands to reason the art exhibit the Naperville student has on display through Nov. 6 in the College of DuPage's Wings student gallery is a bit out of the ordinary.

Sure, there's sculpture he has created. But Connell himself is the centerpiece of the exhibit. You can find him there nearly any time he's not in classes -- playing music, writing philosophical sayings and seeking to engage passers-by in a discussion about "What is art?"

He's taken time off his part-time job, curtailed his social activities and even chosen to sleep overnight in the gallery.

"I'm just trying to immerse myself and others in art," he said.

Connell isn't an art student, although a book on conceptual art he read for a sculpture class he took last spring helped inspire the idea for the exhibit. For the record, he's an education major, but that's only because COD doesn't offer a major in philosophy.

"I'm a philosopher and, for me, philosophy is really, really, really close to conceptual art," he said. "If there's any truth in human existence, it's going to be aesthetic truth."

Connell calls his exhibit "The Mission at the Wings -- With the Mephistophelian and Friends." Mephistophelian means to show the wickedness or cunning typical of the devil.

Many great artists have had their ideas considered heretical or immoral, Connell said. His mission: "To make being artistic right once and for all."

The third-year student said he spent eight months thinking about the exhibit and submitted a proposal to gain the gallery space.

"It's unusual because it's experimental and probes the boundaries of what art is," curator Marina Kuchinski said. "It's almost like a performance piece."

Connell said he's open to other artists joining him in the exhibit, and visitors are welcome to write their own quotes or thoughts.

This isn't the first time Connell has stood out for his unconventional ways. Born in Australia, he lived in Arizona and Los Angeles before moving with his family to Naperville. He graduated from Naperville Central High School, where he was recognized as the senior with the best hair.

If you go

What:Student art exhibit, "The Mission at the Wings -- With The Mephistophelian and Friends"

When:Through Nov. 6

Where:Wings student art gallery, first floor of College of DuPage's Student Resource Center, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn

Cost: Free

Info:(630) 942-2423