There is a new exhibit in town and it is like none other. From HurtJohn comes the exhibit Movement, created by former Kean University student John Hurtado. This exhibit will explore Black Lives Matter and social justice movements. 

The exhibit will explore some of the most prominent homicides in the United States which includes a representation of the Trayvon Martin case in 2012.  Sean Hassett created the representation titled ‘In Shattered Dreams,’ and replaces Martin’s face with a shattered mirror so viewers can reflect on the life that was lost.

Another piece is of a little boy pieced together by ripped up lottery tickets created by artist Jo-El Lopez. This piece represents the atrocities committed at Sandy Hook Elementary School.

“We want people to go in there and have an emotional connection to what is going on and is relevant currently in our world daily,” comments Hurtado. Hurtado also comments that he wanted to bring this exhibit to Kean University because of its rich diversity. Paintings and sculptures of African-Americans who helped with the advancement of social justice will also be present at the exhibit. 

Hurtado explains the reason behind his creation of this exhibition. “For me, I found freedom at Kean. I was always a writer deep down, but I had nowhere to express my writing. Kean’s programs and its students allowed me to become the person I am today, and ultimately that created a gallery exhibition at Kean.”

This exhibition will be open until Wednesday, September 28, 2016, and is on display at the Nancy Dryfoos Gallery and the Human Rights Institute in the Nancy Thompson Library. The exhibition is free to students and the public, and can be seen between Monday and Thursday from 10 a.m. and 8 p.m.