The 24 works were created by students in an intermediate/advanced painting class taught by Gary Chapman, M.F.A., professor of painting, in the UAB Department of Art and Art History. Each student artist was asked to select a person or character of notoriety, such as an actor, politician, musician, athlete, comedian, television reporter or even a cartoon figure. The student then had to choose an archetypal image of that person or character to be translated onto canvas for a larger work.

The students were asked to choose someone who intrigued them, whether out of idolization, indifference, hatred, for mockery or kitsch appeal, or sheer love and admiration. They were then charged to use their canvas to respond to the image, as well as the phenomenon of the person's life, career, reputation and persona. Some of the subjects rendered include Audrey Hepburn, Ralph Kramden, Bettie Page, Timothy Leary, Twiggy, Minnie Pearl, Pikachu and Anna Nicole Smith.

"The results are funny, irreverent, beautiful, somber, poignant and even tacky," Chapman said.

Read more on this exhibition: http://www.uab.edu/uabmagazine/fame-and-shame

About the UAB Department of Art and Art History

Located within a vibrant arts and cultural scene, the UAB Department of Art and Art History offers studies in ceramics, drawing, graphic design, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture, time-based media, art history and art education. Their faculty and students exhibit in local, regional and national galleries, contribute to many community-based projects and work closely with Birmingham's museums and galleries.