"Camaro Lucinda" opens at the South Campus Gallery

The San Jacinto College South Campus Gallery presents "Camaro Lucinda," an exhibit by interdisciplinary artist Justin Plakas, from Aug. 31 to Dec. 3, with an opening reception set for Wednesday, Sept. 9, from 2 to 5 p.m.

Built from cast concrete, salvaged wood, painted panels, and handmade props, the installations use humor as a way into difficult subjects, including perception, memory, impermanence, and death.

Plakas' practice combines digital technologies with handcrafted processes to create immersive artworks that examine how contemporary life is shaped by rapidly evolving technology. Humor is central to how the work operates. Playful and often absurd on the surface, it opens the door to quieter reflections on entropy, mortality and the strange contradictions of everyday life. Everyday objects and gestures become installations that are simultaneously entertaining, unsettling and deeply human.

"Almost every piece of art I've ever made is about death. Mostly, probably…," Plakas said.

Plakas believes that humor and grief often exist side by side, creating space for connection in polarizing times.

That belief drives his ongoing Joke Room project, which began at the University of Arkansas when Plakas turned his office hours into open sessions for students and faculty to gather, eat, and pitch ideas, sessions one regular participant described as "a comedic support group." Plakas traces the approach back to something his late father used to say: “You gotta laugh to keep from crying”.

Plakas has exhibited and screened his work nationally and internationally and has participated in artist residencies including the Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts and the Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture. He earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, and a Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of Georgia. He is currently an assistant professor of studio art at the University of Arkansas School of Art.

"Galleries can sometimes feel intimidating, especially if you've never spent time in one,” said San Jac gallery curator, Bradly Brown. “Justin's use of humor gives students an entry point, something to laugh at before they're asked to think hard about it. That's exactly the kind of atmosphere we want our gallery to offer.”

The San Jacinto College South Campus Gallery is committed to promoting creativity, critical discourse and collaboration through multidisciplinary exhibitions and educational programming. The gallery serves students, employees and community partners of San Jac with a focus on inclusive initiatives and accessible cultural experiences.

Follow the gallery on Instagram at @sanjacsouthcampusgallery for updates on the exhibit and related programming.

Exhibition Details

Dates:

Monday, Aug. 31 to Thursday, Dec. 3

Student Reception:

Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2 to 5 p.m.

Additional events and a closing reception are to be determined.

Gallery Hours:

Monday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Fridays by appointment only

Location:

South Campus Gallery

Flickinger Fine Arts Center (S15.143)

13735 Beamer Road, Houston, TX 77089

Social Media:

Instagram: @sanjacsouthcampusgallery

Facebook: SJCSouthCampusGallery

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About San Jacinto College

Surrounded by monuments of history, evolving industries, maritime enterprises of today, and the space age of tomorrow, San Jacinto College has served the people of East Harris County, Texas, since 1961. The College is ranked second in the nation among more than 1,100 community colleges, as designated by the Aspen Institute and was named an Achieving the Dream Leader College of Distinction in 2020 and 2026. As a Hispanic-Serving Institution that spans five campuses, plus an online college, San Jacinto College serves approximately 45,000 credit and non-credit students annually. It offers more than 200 degrees and certificates across eight major areas of study that put students on a path to transfer to four-year institutions or enter the workforce. The College is fiscally sound, holding bond ratings of AA+ by Standard & Poor’s and Aa2 by Moody’s. San Jacinto College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.