College Station Exhibition Highlights the Importance of Invisible Labor Through Art

College Station Showcases Invisible Labor Through Art

In the vibrant heart of College Station, art enthusiasts are in for a real treat! The J. Wayne Stark Galleries at the Memorial Student Center is currently hosting an eye-opening exhibition by local artist Maleah Miller, titled “home/office.” Open to the public free of charge until October 20, Miller’s showcase is set to shine a spotlight on something we often overlook: invisible labor.

Understanding Invisible Labor

So, what exactly is invisible labor? Maleah explains, it is a fascinating sociological concept coined by Arlene Kaplan Daniels. She defines it as work that often goes unpaid and unrecognized, typically happening behind the scenes in our daily lives. This includes everything from household chores to emotional support roles families play, which, sadly, often don’t receive the appreciation they deserve.

Miller, a Master of Fine Arts student, has poured her heart and soul into this exhibit. “All the pieces in the gallery relate to the theme of invisible labor,” she noted. The star of the show—a spectacular three minute and 45-second stop-motion animation—serves as the crown jewel of her exhibit, providing visitors with a unique lens through which to view this important but often ignored topic.

A Journey to College Station

Miller’s journey to this point began at Kenyon College, from which she graduated in 2020 with a degree in Studio Art and English. Right after that, she found a home at Texas A&M University, where, by December, she will proudly hold a Master’s of Fine Arts. During her time in College Station, she has already made a significant mark with her pieces being featured in notable exhibits, such as “Dog Tales: The Human Canine Connection” at the Brazos Valley Museum of Natural History.

The timing couldn’t be better for Miller and her fellow artists as the College of Performance, Visualization, and Fine Arts at Texas A&M has seen a revitalization with new faculty and additional programs. “It’s been exciting to do more and more stuff,” Miller shared, reflecting on the growing opportunities within the college.

An Exclusive Opportunity

What makes this exhibition even more special is that Maleah is the sole student currently exhibiting in the Fall semester at the Stark Galleries. Her gratitude for the experience is overflowing. “I got professional gallery experience, signing contracts, and setting up my show,” she expressed, highlighting the support and encouragement from the Stark Gallery staff.

Cultivating a Personal Touch

It took Miller three years to develop her artwork for “home/office,” a process that involved creating a cohesive collection instead of a single piece. While her work often features dolls— due to her love for character design and stop-motion animation—this exhibit is particularly personal. The inspiration for her artwork threads back to her own mother, Debra Miller, whom Maleah aims to honor through the visibility of her work. “I wanted her to feel appreciated and seen,” said Miller. “My hope is that others, like my mom, who do the majority of household labor, can come away feeling valued.”

Future Aspirations

As Maleah prepares for her graduation this December, her sights are firmly set on pursuing a career in stop-motion animation. “I think it’s such a beautiful art form,” she reflected, joyous that it is seeing a resurgence in popularity lately. She ultimately wishes to meld her passion for handmade crafts with innovative digital techniques—an ambition that promises to take her far.

Armed with a powerful message and a stunning body of work, Maleah Miller’s “home/office” stands as a beacon of recognition for invisible labor. Whether you’re an art lover or just curious to learn more about the contributions of your everyday champions, this exhibit is sure to leave you with a renewed perspective. So if you find yourself in College Station, take a moment to step into the gallery and appreciate the artistry behind the unseen efforts that shape our lives.