University Gallery opens season with "FBI Files"

August 23, 2005

UF's University Gallery opens its fall 2005 season Friday with the internationally acclaimed exhibition, "The FBI Files," paintings and collages by Arnold Mesches. A reception will be held from 7 to 9 p.m.

During the mid-1940s, Mesches discovered that he was being "shadowed" by the FBI. In 1999, through the Freedom of Information Act, he gained access to his 760-page FBI file. The reports contained major areas of blacked-out words and sections. This exhibit contains an extensive collection of collages made from copies of Mesches' files, along with eight large acrylic paintings on canvas.

"The FBI Files" has traveled widely throughout the United States. The documentary film, "A Conversation with Arnold Mesches," about the exhibition and life experiences of the artist, produced by the Artists Network, New York City, is also included in this exhibition.

Mesches will speak at 3 p.m. Sept. 9 at the University Gallery.

University Gallery is at the intersection of S.W. 13th Street and S.W. 4th Avenue, next to Tigert Hall. For information, contact (352) 392-0201, ext. 229.