This year’s Senior Showcase opened on Feb. 20, with one of the largest graduating classes since the inception of the art and design program in the department of performing and visual arts. Also called “The Theory of Creativity,” the opening reception event is part of the exhibition that will be on display until March 6.
There are eight sections that move the visitor through Gallery 217, found within the second floor of the University Center, in the Department of Performing and Visual Arts wing. Work from the seven seniors can be found on the welcome wall, where each senior then has their own niche of the gallery to showcase their work.
As part of the curriculum from the art and design degree, students create and curate a showing of their work. The exhibition consists of various media, such as traditional paints like acrylic, to new media like found objects and earthenware. Artists delved into global topics like climate change, as seen in Shiloe Gardner’s “Ice Cream for Climate Change” social issue poster, as well as self-exploration and interpersonal growth, as seen in Logan Stewart’s “Mood Tracker” acrylic on canvas.
In years’ past, there have been anywhere from two graduates to a handful of seniors, so past exhibitions have been on the first floor of the University Center, outside of the Performance Theater. Due to the increase in students, and the quantity of portfolio work, the exhibition was moved upstairs.
In total, there are 74 works representing a vast array of cultures, identities and media. Prior to entering, visitors are greeted by Kahkashan Ansary’s “Flames of Freedom,” a multi-panel acrylic piece. Ansary also has other acrylic works on display inside the gallery. Shiloe Gardner created editorials and design work that dealt with climate and environmental issues, as aforementioned. Brandyne Tiwari created digital media art that encapsulates the fictional and mythical, like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory to the myth of Hades and Persephone. Andres J. Mora reimagines the masters Francisco Goya and Vincent Van Gogh within Collage on Goya’s “Saturn Devouring his Son,” and Color Study on Van Gogh’s “Skull of Skeleton with Burning Cigarette,” respectively. Logan Stewart studies the feminine identity and how women navigate through political and cultural barriers throughout her numerous works. Stephanie Suarez has one of the greatest ranges of media, from her “The Unknown” study in fabric and fur, to “She,” in paint and ink. Aina Rivas also has a wide range, from “Barely Balanced,” block print on rice paper, to “Boys to the Yard,” wax and clay study.
The exhibition is open to the public with free admission. To learn more about Gallery 217’s hours of operation, call (954)-262-7620.
