Art exhibit brings 'riot grrl' punk to SU

In collaboration with Salisbury University students, visiting artist Michael Hubbard’s new exhibit “Mixtape” has created a set of mixtapes dedicated to depicting the punk rock “Riot Grrl” bands of the 1990s and showcasing strong women throughout history.

Each year there is an international call for works from the University galleries. After proposals are reviewed by a creative review board they are scored on various categories such as creativity and concept.

Hubbard’s Mixtape was one of the proposals that came in and scored high points, said Tara Gladden, manager for the Salisbury University galleries.

“We thought it would really be a nice complement to the 'Being her now' exhibition and good timing scheduling it around Women’s History Month,” Gladden said. “Mixtape is inspired by the history of the Riot Grrl movement, but I feel like on a greater scale, the exhibition and what Michael is really interested in is he is inspired by really strong fearless independent women throughout history.”

The artwork is interactive and guests can sit and listen to mixtapes that represent a 20th century suffragette or one that depicts an ancient British warrior queen.

The exhibition, on display until April 22, can be found in the Electronic Gallery, which is located in TETC 128 at Salisbury University.

The Riot Grrl movement began in the early 1990s and was a feminist movement in the form of music that addressed everything from sexuality to racism to domestic abuse and politics.

The mixtapes focus deeply on all-female punk groups and the Riot Grrl movement but they are not limited to that period of music. The music spans across decades and different genres.

“He chose women throughout history and created mixtapes that were homages to these women but the music on the mixtapes is music he primarily feels in one way or another was inspired by the Riot Grrl movement,” Gladden said.

Hubbard, a professional artist and professor at Midland College in Texas, came to SU to install the exhibition and work with SU students. Hanging in the gallery along with each mixtape, SU students gave a visual response to songs from a specific mixtape.

“He assigned different songs to our students and he provided them with a 12”x12” record sleeve and they had to make a visual response to the songs,” Gladden said. “Those are hung in the gallery in addition to art works that he has made.”

If you go:

What: Michael Hubbard’s “Mixtape” art exhibit

Where: The Electronic Gallery, TETC 128, 1101 Camden Avenue, Salisbury

When Through April 22

Gallery hours: Tuesday and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Thursday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For more information call 410-548-2547 or visit suartgalleries.org