Benton Museum hosts artist reception

Justyn Henriquez
Staff Writer

Artist and sculptor Davina Semo discussed the intent behind her work at a reception for her exhibition “Tender Shield” on Saturday at the Benton Museum of Art at Pomona College.

The doors opened at 5 p.m. and the event began with a conversation in the Benton Museum’s Bryson Courtyard.

Semo described herself as a studio artist who enjoys her solitude. She also expressed how she is comfortable experimenting outside of conventional beauty and what is called ‘perfect’.

“I really like to experiment as an artist, I’m not too worried about it,” Semo said. 

There were approximately 50 visitors in attendance, and she spent time introducing her body of work while answering questions from the crowd. 

This event is part of the museum’s yearlong, site-specific installation showcasing Semo’s work, much of which is focused on bells. 

She explained her fascination with the sculpting of bells, what they can represent and how they don’t have to sound perfect. 

“I think that as (a) sculpture, there’s a lot that the bell can be; it doesn’t have to be a perfect sound,” Semo said. 

She attributes the appearance of the bells we see today and how they all look the same to the designer chasing a perfect sound.

“You know, there is so much beauty outside of that,” Semo said. “I am interested in the sound, but it’s not about it necessarily.” 

The focal point of her installation was located on the John and Debbie Starr Family Sculpture Patio, showcasing a variety of interactive bells. 

The bells were made of different materials including bronze, glass and stainless steel, giving each one a unique design and sound. Semo herself activated the bells twice throughout the night, once at 5:30 p.m. and again at 6:30 p.m.

Each activation lasted about two minutes; the audience remained silent as they observed her walk among the bells, striking them deliberately.

Gilberto Ramiro, a visitor from Rancho Cucamonga, said he was drawn to the event because he enjoys attending events where the artists speak on their work. 

“I just like seeing other people’s perspective and how it reflects in the artwork,” Ramiro said.

He appreciates sculptors who use metals and overcome the challenges that can come with metalwork. 

“I like metal personally,” Ramiro said. “You know there’s a lot of chemistry that can go into it, and you don’t want it to rust, or damage your skin by touching it, or even pollute the air sometimes.”

Anne Wilson, a visitor from Portland, Oregon, came to California to visit family but made sure to stop by the Benton Museum, as she usually does.  

“We come down, and every time I come, we come to the museum because it’s a beautiful space,” Wilson said.

She appreciates the museum’s focus on individual artists and the way it gives visitors the opportunity to see their work.

“I love the fact that they do a small focus for artists and they showcase an exquisite point in time from an artist’s particular view,” Wilson said. 

Hazel Kurian, a freshman at Scripps College in Claremont, said the variety of artists getting recognition at the Benton Museum can encourage students to explore their own artistic interests.

“I think it’s good for students to see a variety of mediums because it gives them the opportunity to explore what they want to do with their career as well,” Kurian said.

Through her bells and experimental materials, Semo continues to explore what a sculpture can be and how people can experience it.

For more information about Semo, visit davinasemo.com.

For more information about the Benton Museum of Art, visit pomona.edu/museum.

Justyn Henriquez can be reached at justyn.henriquez@laverne.edu.