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WIU Alumnus Donates Political Images

December 21, 2009

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MACOMB, IL - - Western Illinois University alumnus Thomas C. Jackson has donated eight framed images that he created documenting the 2004 national political conventions. The 49" x 32" images are hung in the hallway of the broadcasting department in Sallee Hall.

Jackson named his work, "Visual Analysis of Imagery used in American Presidential Politics," and each board represents one night of the conventions, split equally between the Republican and Democratic parties.

Jackson said since Sept. 11, 2001, he "has been strongly impressed by images in the news. I began thinking about what this meant for my artwork."

"By 2004 I became interested in how the political parties, as well as the media, were using images to promote their policies and point of view. I was interested in whether the Democrats or Republicans would do a better job using imagery," he added. "I was also interested in how the media would cover the campaigns and how outside organizations would influence viewers, how non-journalists would inform and influence viewers and which advertisers would promote products during political events.

"I shot photos from the TV screen and put them together in this exhibit. While I consider these composite photographs commentary and analysis, and not my artwork, the activity of producing them became a pivotal moment in my art career. With this work I wanted to generate discussion, and am delighted that the resulting studies are seen in an academic setting in the broadcasting building at WIU," Jackson said.

Jackson's work has been exhibited in numerous juried exhibitions, group and solo shows. His new imagery work has been selected for exhibition in national and international group exhibitions, as well as a solo exhibition at the Cedar Rapids (IA) Museum of Art.

Before deciding to concentrate on art and committing to being a fulltime artist, Jackson worked as a designer/illustrator for a small ad agency in Iowa and then was hired as a designer at Stamats, Inc., a firm recognized nationally as a leader in higher education marketing. While working there for two decades, Jackson also served as design department head, account executive, creative director, vice president and general manager and vice president for client development.

Jackson received his bachelor's degree in art (1972) from WIU and his Masters of Fine Arts (1974) from the University of Notre Dame. He taught drawing, painting and other courses at Mount Mercy College in Cedar Rapids (IA) from 1974-1978.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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