"Rhino World Order," featuring artwork by Buffalo resident Richard Tomasello, will open this season's series at SUNY Oswego's Tyler Art Gallery.

The exhibition, on display as of Sept. 2, will have an opening reception from 6 to 7 p.m. in the Tyler Hall gallery on Friday, Sept. 5, and will run through Oct. 8.

Tomasello creates ceramic and plaster sculptures on a large scale to talk about the power of individual resistance against overwhelming societal pressures. This new body of work is inspired by the play "Rhinoceros," written in 1959 by absurdist playwright Eugene lonesco. 

The play is noted to be a response to the rise of fascism before World War II, using imagery of people turning into rhinoceroses as they are swept up into the fascist regime. One character in the play resists conforming at all costs to maintain his identity.

Tomasello uses the imagery of the Rhinoceros to talk about his own experiences with physical assault, school shootings, mob mentality, toxic masculinity, the bystander effect and systematic violence. His use of plaster strips to create monumentally large works allows for cracks, seams and critical failures to be seen in the structure. These works are large and intimidating, but can be ultimately undone by resistance, the artist noted. Tomasello offers his viewers hope in the choice of nonconformity.

In addition to the opening reception, two related special events will take place on Sept. 5. A 1 p.m. panel discussion will feature Tomasello and Davana Robedee, director of Tyler Art Gallery. At 5 p.m., SUNY Oswego theatre students will present a reading of "Rhinoceros" to introduce attendees to the story.

Hours for the gallery are 2 to 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. The gallery is closed and Mondays and when classes are not in session.          

Classes and groups may arrange after-hours visitation. Contact Robedee at davana.robedee@oswego.edu if you are interested in scheduling a class or group visit outside of visiting hours.