Some say a picture is worth a thousand words, and Bulgarian-born artist Luba Lukova’s new exhibit has a lot to say about the issues in today’s society. 
Lukova is making a statement through her vibrant prints with her first LSU School of Art Glassell Gallery exhibit, “Graphic Guts: The Art of Luba Lukova,” at Baton Rouge’s Shaw Center for the Arts.
Lukova said she’s always been interested in addressing current themes through her work because she feels that’s the purpose of art. She likes the idea of her art being easily accessible for nearly any individual to purchase, since they are prints.
“This is my reaction to so many issues that we have in our world today,” Lukova said. “I never wanted to be one of these artists who would create a piece that only they would understand. Then it will be in a secluded gallery where nobody goes.”
Malia Krolak, director of LSU School of Art Galleries, said the University’s design professors suggested Lukova as a visiting artist, but her work is relatable outside of the art program as well. 
Her works focus on social issues, such as peace, censorship, ecology, hunger and corruption. 
“In graphic design, you have to get an idea across right away, and she does that really well,” Krolak said. “[Her works] are just beautiful. They have really saturated color and give you just an instant visceral reaction when you see it.”
Lukova’s works are archival digital prints, but she begins her creative process working with sketches of each idea. She occasionally experiments with negative space in her sketches to create two images in one piece.
Krolak said Lukova has one piece that looks like a mushroom cloud, but upon closer inspection, the profile of two individuals speaking can be seen. 
“Each one reminds me of a rebus puzzle,” Krolak said. “If you don’t look at the title, you come in and try to guess what each one means, that would be a really fun game. They’re nice to look at, but then they have a deeper message.”
Lukova will be visiting the University to present an Alfred C. Glassell Jr. Endowed Lecture entitled “Graphic Guts” in the LSU Design Building’s auditorium on March 25, where she will discuss her artwork.
“I’m excited,” Lukova said. “I have to say that I love the South because I love the music that comes from there, but just to display my work there is a
tremendous honor.”
Graphic design professor Richard Doubleday helped make the decision to bring Lukova to the University. 
He said, when it comes to the arts, graphic design is pragmatic and solves communication problems for clients, so the content of her work reveals how she confronts these social and political issues artistically.
“You don’t really read into what the message means in mundane commercial work,” Doubleday said. “But her work tends to resonate because of those visual messages. The hope is that she can get students to be aware of all the problems that exist in the world.”
It’s likely Lukova was one of the last generations trained in fine classical arts before the use of computer design became popular, Doubleday said. He sees his students turning to the computer more frequently, and while he considers it a powerful tool, Doubleday wants his students to remember it’s not their only tool. 
“She can draw well, and I think that has a lot to do with her training,” Doubleday said. “[Her art] boils down into these simple, strong and powerful statements.” 
Krolak said she thinks students should take the opportunity to learn about an artist who has shown a lot of work both nationally and internationally, and it’s a good way to see what’s happening in the art world. She said her hope is that Lukova’s art will also empower students to branch out into their own styles and make a statement.
“Her art is just beautiful,” Krolak said. “Apart from being colorful, it’s really interesting ideas, and every single one of them has a lot of impact. The first thing you notice is the color, and then when you look at it, you’re like, ‘Wow.’”
Lukova’s 23-piece exhibit features two different print sizes — 19 roughly
30×40-inch prints and four 40×60-inch prints. Lukova will be present during the exhibit’s reception being held March 26 at the LSU School of Art Glassell Gallery. The free gallery is now open and will remain open through April 2.
You can reach Greta Jines on Twitter @TheGretaJines.

Gallery • 8 Photos

Charles Champagne

"Brainwashing", artwork by Luba Lukova, is on exhibit Sunday, March 15, 2015 inside the Glassell Gallery located downtown at the Shaw Center.