Columbus State University Opened New Art Exhibition

The Illges Gallery now hosts an exhibition exploring American history through the work of 18 diverse artists.

Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Fine Art

Gouache-painted illustration of a minimalist sculpture with stacked geometric forms, evoking a quiet art gallery environment. — Columbus State University’s Illges Gallery has opened its latest exhibition, featuring 18 artists who provide critical examinations of American history. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Norman Shannon and Emmy Lou P. Illges Gallery at Columbus State University has opened the exhibition About America: Liberty, Legacy, and Loyalty at 250. This collection features works from 18 artists aimed at critiquing national iconography and power structures.

Why it matters

The exhibition serves as a critical examination of how American history is constructed, utilizing a variety of mediums to challenge traditional narratives surrounding the nation's 250th anniversary.

The exhibition showcases 18 artists who utilize materials including gouache, barbed wire, and charcoal. Notable displays include a 9-foot by 24-foot cotton curtain and a Washington bust coated in 200 layers of white acrylic paint.

The players

Columbus State University

This public university located in Columbus, Georgia, hosts the exhibition within its Corn Center for the Visual Arts.

Reynier Leyva Novo

This artist contributed a bust of Washington that is obscured by 200 layers of white acrylic paint.

Stephanie Syjuco

This artist created a large-scale cotton curtain installation measuring 9 feet in height and 24 feet in width.

Bethany Collins

This artist produced a book featuring 100 songs set to the melody of My Country, 'Tis of Thee.

Hank Willis Thomas

This artist designed a work that reveals hidden imagery when visitors use a camera flash.

The details

Artists involved in the project provide nuanced critiques of American history through diverse physical installations, such as a book containing 100 songs set to the tune of My Country, 'Tis of Thee. Viewers can also uncover hidden imagery in Hank Willis Thomas' work by utilizing a camera flash.

Thompson began considering the exhibition milestone in 2021.
The exhibition opened to the public on Oct. 6, 2026.
The exhibition is scheduled to close on Nov. 28, 2026.

Industry Dynamics

This exhibition aligns with the broader cultural movement to re-examine national narratives as the country approaches its 250th anniversary. It reflects a growing trend in academic and museum spaces to prioritize critical social commentary over traditional, celebratory historical displays.

The exhibition is open to the public free of charge, running Tuesday through Saturday at the Illges Gallery. Residents of Columbus can also attend upcoming curatorial talks hosted by Thompson within the gallery space.

The takeaway

Visitors are encouraged to bring their own cameras to interact with the multimedia installations that reveal hidden imagery through flash photography. This show invites viewers to think deeply about the symbols and songs that define American identity.