Senior Show: Fine Art and Animation
Senior fine art students gathered their work together to be displayed in Rechnitz Hall’s DiMattio Gallery at the Senior Show: Fine Art & Animation that took place on Friday, March 23.
As students, faculty, and families alike leisurely strolled around the gallery, they were able to see the seniors’ hard work and dedication to the arts on full display; each student being showcased had their own section of the gallery walls. The event started at 7 p.m. and ran until 9 p.m; throughout the night, both the first and second floor of the gallery were packed.
Amanda Green, a senior fine art student whose work was on display at the event, said, “I’ve always been passionate about trying to capture a person that’s why many of my drawings and paintings are portraits. Everyone sees the world differently, but sharing artwork is a great way to share your view of it.”
“I love to hear what people see when they look at my artwork even if it’s not what I was going for. I don’t just share my art, but I share pieces of me and want to move people to feel something as well,” she continued.
Of course, these students have their own inspirations as well, Michelle Toscano, a senior fine art student and one of the many students who had their work displayed at the event, said, “I have always been inspired by the work of Salvador Dali and Rene Magritte. I find the surrealist movement of art to be so interesting and playful. I enjoy the juxtaposition that these two masters use in their work and I try to emulate that in mine as well by incorporating color and thought provoking elements.”
Art fanatics were able to cycle through the gallery to view art students’ paintings, animations, sculptures, etc. Some displays were interactive, asking passersby to sign a booklet, leave a note, and one student even left cameras out to take pictures with her to go in a scrapbook.
While viewers were able to take away whatever they wished from the event, be it a newfound love for photography, a new artist to follow on social media, etc. the artists themselves were also able to view their peers’ work, which led to more inspiration for future works of art.
Green said, “It’s important to see and celebrate the color everyone brings to the world, which is what I take away from seeing my peer’s artwork.”
“I see all their hard work and passion in their pieces and it is truly inspiring. Creativity is the way we share our souls with the world and that’s what I believe and what I tell my students.” Green added.
Sharing your work with others, regardless of whether or not they are artists or viewers of art, is something Toscano felt strongly about, “It is extremely important for artists to share their work with the public because that is how the world becomes familiar with one’s work. It is also how the public is aware of what kind of art artists are currently creating.”
“From viewing other individuals’ work, I gain insight and inspiration. Artists displaying work gives others a chance to see the world through their eye. To see how they create beautiful things.”
“Also, viewing others’ art gives me inspiration by showing me what others are doing. This inspires me to continue creating and broaden my body of work and even try new mediums and techniques,” Toscano continued.
The concept that people are continuously learning by viewing others is not a new idea and is something that artists are constantly aware of and partaking in.
Dale Mahabir, an adjunct professor of art and design said, “I think feedback, that’s number one of course. [Sharing and viewing peers’ work] allows them a glimpse into their future. They can set some goals for themselves, it kind of gives them a progress check to see how they align with their peers.”
By allowing students to see their fellow classmates paintings, animations, photos, etc. they are then becoming more and more influenced by each other, further producing quality work from all viewers and artists alike.
Dickie Cox, associate professor of communication said, “I think that people are an infinite source of information. Artists are people, some of our students are artists, and people inspire other people. A lot of my ideas have come from conversations I’ve had with my peers.”
“In many ways, looking at people’s art or looking at their exhibits is like having a conversation with them; you’re listening to what they have to say. It’s just another way of practicing. Also, it influences the choices you make after you see it.”
During exhibitions, some art students can feel a sense of intimidation by being watched and can feel pressured to act or seem a certain way.
Giving students the opportunity to be in the limelight for a night or a few days can not only boost morale for the artists but it can give them a sense of what their future may entail.
There is never just one muse for an artist, these seniors who got the opportunity to display their work prove that. An artist may say that they are inspired by one artist and they will try to emulate that artist. But, artists, photographers, writers, etc. all share the idea that taking or piecing together other influences is how new techniques and styles are formed.
The senior show exemplified the talent, hard work, and dedication that the art department goes into producing quality work and students who produce quality work.
Additional reporting done by Matthew Aquino Associate Graphic Design Editor/Advertising Manager
PHOTOS TAKEN by Nicole Riddle
