Solo exhibition at Arcadia University
March 18-October 11, 2024
The Mirror Room was an Alumni Spotlight exhibition that focused on the histories of Grey Towers Castle and the former William Welsh Harrison Estate, the current home of Arcadia University, which were first constructed utilizing proceeds from the sugar refining industry in the late nineteenth century. The title of the exhibition refers to one of the most iconic spaces within Grey Towers Castle, an immense, elaborately furnished room on the first floor with mirrored surfaces on all four walls, used originally by the Harrisons and today by the University for hosting special events and celebrations. For the artist, the space acts simultaneously as a symbol for the unfettered opulence of the so-called “Gilded Age”, as well as a place for introspection and self-analysis.
In the gallery, coincidentally named for William Welsh Harrison, Rauth appropriated and arranged objects and architectural forms from the well-known Cheltenham Township landmark to create a new space for both the artist and visitors to reflect upon the dysfunctional systems of power that led to the accumulation of wealth that funded the estate’s creation. Further, this act of contemplation took place in the presence of the Castle, which can be could be viewed through the windows of the gallery.
Underbelly of the beast, a world to unearth, 2024manufactured onlay, spray paint, latex paint
24”x36”
Untitled (Wilted Series I), 2023found glass, taper candles
Untitled (Wilted Series II), 2023
found glass
Untitled (Wilted Series III), 2023
found glass
Set Piece for an Institution, 2024wood, drywall, screen printed cotton, liquid starch, manufactured molding, sandbags, fabric
8’x9.5’x3’
Service (Buried Series I), 2024Silver tray & coffee service from the Arcadia University archives, ground glass
Indulgence (Buried Series II), 2024Silver punchbowl & wooden box found in Grey Towers Castle basement, ground glass
Power (Buried Series III), 2024Original lighting fixture found in Grey Towers Castle basement, wiring, ground glass