‘Tongues’ exhibit tells stories through steel and sound effects

Works by Robert Morrison will be featured in the show "Tongues: The Half-Life of Morphine and Lepidopterous Shame.

The edgy, contemporary art of Robert Morrison, an installation artist renowned for incorporating sound into his minimalist, sculpted-steel pieces, will be featured in the show “Tongues: The Half-Life of Morphine and Lepidopterous Shame,” from Dec. 2 to 22 and Feb. 1 to 11 at the University Library Gallery. An artist’s lecture will be held at 3 p.m., Dec. 2, in Kadema Hall 145, followed by a reception from 5 to 8 p.m.

Morrison’s sound sculptures use materials such as alarm clocks, steel and water, maintaining a minimalist style despite their complex composition. The installation will feature Morrison’s works from earlier exhibits “Tongues” (1986) and “M. Hasard Dressed to the Nines” (1992), as well as new pieces created for this show.

A windsurfing accident in Maui inspired “Tongues.” Comprised of steel and fiberglass cots topped with steel pillows, the work tells of his post-surgery ordeal while on the drug morphine. The pieces generate edgy, nervous sounds reminiscent of hospital noises and a metaphor for Morrison’s mental state during recovery.

For information, contact the University Library Gallery at 278-2368. For media assistance, contact the Sacramento State Public Affairs office at 278-6156.