“Unrecognizable,” an exhibit inspired by the idea that insects hide in plain sight, is a culmination of work currently on display at the Sterling College Art Gallery by guest artist Mariah Dechant. 

The two main themes of Dechant’s work, insect advocacy and mental health issues, focus on insect behaviors and how mental health struggles can affect an individual. Dechant says these themes are best reflected when viewing multiple pieces together. 

“I wanted to truly highlight the symbolism between mental struggles and how those are not always seen on the surface of our appearance,” said Dechant. “My own are often always there, even though I’m unaware of them.” 

Behind each piece, Dechant creates a message intended for the viewer, along with design elements she can implement to portray her vision. 

“I start by thinking about the message I want for the viewer, as well as brainstorming what kind of symbolism I can incorporate that will push my ideas forward without fully giving the idea away,” said Dechant. 

For the design elements, she draws from insect patterns and how they can add to or become an idea for her art. 

“I find myself doing intensive research on insects and their patterns, and reflecting myself in that pattern,” said Dechant. “Other times I’m searching for a specific insect pattern I’d like to highlight.”

A specific piece highlighted by Dechant, entitled “Luv Dad,” showcases unique design techniques and familial conflicts. 

“Using Intaglio, it creates a very specific form of texture that is uniquely its own. It’s one where you traced your fingers along the surface of the paper, the indentation of the mark-making comes to life,” said Dechant.  

She continued, “It’s about a bad experience I had with my father, especially one where I felt had a lot of control over me. This piece allowed me to take more control over that memory and express my feelings about the situation.” 

Despite facing challenges for the cohesiveness between pieces, Dechant has found that this exhibit positively reflects her growth as an artist and as an individual.

“Over time, my work has matured into something more meaningful to me in how it’s helped me grow as an individual, and I feel that’s reflected in my work,” said Dechant. “As I’ve developed different ways to describe heavy topics, it’s propelled me and my career forward.”

“Unrecognizable” will be on display through Sept. 30 at the Sterling College Art Center Gallery at 306 West Washington, Sterling. The Gallery is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.