By: Anna Roberts
This year the senior exhibition for BFA and BA graduates had to be moved online due to COVID-19; however, this did not stop this amazing group of seniors from displaying their artwork. Each of the seniors in the show has put quite a bit of time into growing their career and expanding on their skill set. Some of the media included in this show are ceramics, printmaking, digital illustration, drawing, and many other media were all represented. The show titled In Bold, showcases the work of 15 seniors graduating from the College of Art at Valdosta State. The form of this years exhibition threw some interest curve balls at the students, but each of them overcame any obstacle presented to create a digital exhibition that will be viewed for years to come.
Many themes were explored in this exhibition including social justice, equality, sexuality, connections, and many other themes. Each artist aimed present the truth of lived experiences through the use of radical, bold, ideas in their work. This group of artists noted that engagement and conversations were very important to them. One of the statement that stands out the most is “every one of us are unapologetically ourselves, and this show is documentation of our lives and our art in-progress.” This is exactly what this group of seniors were able to accomplish. I have heard several comments made about how the seniors are showing their true colors, and making statements.
Pickup, Etching, 11″x14″, 2019
One of the standout pieces me was the work Pickup by Isaac Wright. In his artist statement Wright talks about how he grew up in rural architecture and his personal connection to the world around him. “From pottery to architecture, I often find things that are banal and unassuming to the most beautiful, and I want my art to praise objects for their function, as well as their history.” This piece is one that many people can find a connection to.
Shelby Coulter
Privilege, (board game) graphic design and 3D printing, 16×16″, 2019
Tatyana Jackson
Rose That Grew from Concrete, Acrylic on Canvas, 18×24″, 2019
Remember Me,
Brass and Sterling Silver, 2019
This show featured a variety of media and topics. My favorite piece in the show is Remember Me by Nariel Tribble. The craftsmanship behind this piece is excellent. In her artist statement she says: “When I realized humanity’s detrimental effects on earth, I discovered ways for our worlds to interact and connect in a form I can control, my art.” Knowing several of the seniors, some better than others, I have seen them grow both as artist and people.
Overall, this exhibition is an excellent representation of the work contributed by each of these seniors. The layout of the website is well thought out and easy to read. As one enters the site they are instantly greeted with a short write up on why the exhibition is online and short cuts to help you navigate whether you would like to explore the BFA and BA students graduating with studio art degrees or the interior design students. Both the studio portion and the interior design portion of the website are easy to navigate.
Celeste Civis
Cold Flowers, Digital Color Photography, 13″x19″, 2017
Karla Noble
Trailer Home, Linocut, 18″x12″, 2020
Anna Roberts is an Art Education major at Valdosta State University. After graduation she plans to pursue a career teaching secondary art education in a Title 1 school district.