by Canita Ruan
Valdosta State University Fine Arts Senior Students came together to present their Spring 2025 final seniors show, titled “nexus.” The exhibition was held at the Dedo Maranville Fine Arts Gallery, from April 13 to May 1. The exhibition was a celebration of the student’s growth, creativity, and collaboration. Each piece in the exhibition reflected their university and personal journey, with themes showing connection, transition and shared experience. The exhibition offered a vibrant and memorable showcase of diverse talents and bright futures of ten emerging artists ready to explore the many possibilities of the art world.
Leading up to the exhibition, campuswide excitement was created by the artist’s innovative promotion of the exhibition. Regular posts showcasing each senior artist’s work and creative process appeared on the “nexus” exhibition Instagram feed. Additionally, the artists actively promoted the exhibition by using chalk drawings with the mysterious ‘X’ symbol clearly displayed on walls, sidewalks, and near the Converse square. The repeated ‘X’ symbol had students and staff on campus curious, questioning its significance. Many of the chalk drawings included the exhibition’s Instagram username, guiding everyone on campus to learn more about the show. In addition to the chalk art, flyers and stickers were placed all over campus, transforming many spaces into an invitation to explore the “nexus” senior exhibition. The way the fine arts students and professors advertised the exhibition created a sense of anticipation, making the event feel like a can’t miss experience.
The gallery’s entrance presented visitors with a welcome sign with the exhibition’s title “nexus,” and information about the gallery’s hours. The glass door was also decorated with the title “nexus”. On the table by the entrance was a folder with the senior artists’ statements that gave an overview of each senior’s artistic journey. There was also a sign on the table with an explanation of the title and term “nexus.” Additionally, ‘X’ stickers that mirrored the theme of the exhibition were stacked on the table for visitors, thereby linking the promotional efforts to the exhibition experience. The exhibition showcased artwork from 10 senior artists with work including painting, drawing, photography, ceramics, mixed media, sculpture, metalwork, fiber arts, screen printing, and graphic design.
Though the themes differed among the artists, the gallery was filled with an electric feeling of personal narrative and identity. To express their unique identities through their work, every artist portrayed aspects of their life experiences and creative growth. An emotional and intimate atmosphere was created by the range of themes presented. These themes ranged from reflections on past events, nature, explorations of culture, human development, and social issues. Moving throughout the gallery, the enthusiasm and energy reflected the hard work, talent and passion of the senior class. The textures of fiber art and the boldness of sculpture and photography, the range of mediums used combined with the thoughtful presentation of each work emphasized the artist’s statements. Moreover, the creative utilization of the gallery space featuring wall displays, ceiling installations, freestanding or hanging sculptures ensured that the “nexus” senior exhibition became a totally captivating experience.
Among the many impressive works of art on display, a few pieces particularly resonated with me because of their creativity, emotional depth, and close connection to the exhibition’s theme. For example, Gavin Ponder’s vibrant photography and graphic design series of vehicles was the first to capture my attention as his work depicted a range of sleek sports cars and bold personalities. Furthermore, Ponder’s work transcended traditional photography by skillfully incorporating graphic design elements. This fusion brought each piece to life, along with the vibrant colors and models’ attitude. In his artist statement, he describes, “vehicles as an accessory to the individual,”[1] suggesting that a car can be an extension of personal identity. Through his images, he shows how each subject, as he states, “demonstrates their own personality through themselves and their cars,”[2] giving the viewers an experience that feels both stylish and deeply personal.
Another thought-provoking piece in the gallery was Ari White’s artwork sitting at the center of the room, as it featured a chair draped with cloth covered in graffiti-like writing, boldly stating the words ‘MOVE YOUR HAND.’ Beside the chair was a vanity set, filled with hair supplies commonly found in Black American households, including wide teeth combs. Beneath the vanity, a drawer revealed family photographs, providing a personal and intimate detail to the display. Opposite this, a sleek black stand featured male and female figures standing side by side. Ari’s statement described the installation as “a love letter to my people, a celebration of community, the power of tradition, and memory.”[3] After reading Ari White’s artist statement it became evident that the piece celebrated Black American culture and cherished personal memories. For those from a Black family background, the meaning behind this artwork would resonate deeply.
The gallery also featured captivating installations, for example, Ali Holcomb’s glass sculpture, Clarity, and Alli Langford’s suspended ceiling piece High Strung, were interestingly placed in the gallery setting. Holcomb’s glass sculpture transformed the space with shifting glares and reflections, creating a dreamlike atmosphere that invited myself and viewers to question its deeper meaning. According to Holcomb’s artist statement on the “nexus” Instagram page, “the materials serve to understand and show introspection of myself and our external environment,”[4] this insight added significant depth to the impressive 6-foot-tall piece. Meanwhile, Alli Langford’s High Strung, an 18” X 24” series of seven cyanotypes on watercolor paper, hung horizontally from the ceiling above Langford’s other artwork. This piece displayed vibrant shades of blue and white prints of clothing, which brought a bright, refreshing energy to the gallery and shifted the mood of viewers as they looked upward while passing beneath it. Langford noted in the artist statement, “As I spend more time reflecting on my artistic process, I’ve come to the realization that it is important to not let fear of perception overrule the need for expression.”[5]
In addition, Elizabeth Wilson’s paper weaving titled Memories Woven was a stunning collage made from pictures and paper, blending delicacy with strength to create a rich tapestry of texture and meaning. The intricate details she wove into the work were truly amazing, with each strip of material thoughtfully woven to construct a layered narrative. While standing in front this piece, one will not only see the technical skills displayed but also the emotional meaning it conveys. Wilson’s work shows how weaving can be used to symbolize memory by intertwining moments of the past, present and personal experience. Wilson reinforces this through her artist statement, “When people view my art, I want them to be able to feel the love and appreciation I have for my family.”[6]
The artwork displayed throughout the gallery was so incredible that at times it felt almost overwhelming to take it all in. However, what made the experience even more interesting were the signs and arrows guiding guests down the hallway to a separate room. Hanging from the ceiling was a single striking sculpture made entirely of Easter Eggs. Teryn Lexis Bennett’s piece, Spring Projected, measured 48 inches and featured vibrant spring colors of pinks, purples and yellows. In Bennett’s personal statement, she points out that “anything can become art.”[7]. It was interesting to see the creative and unexpected use of Easter Eggs in an elegant, eye-catching display. Positioned in its own room, the sculpture was impactful, allowing viewers to fully appreciate its playful yet thoughtful design.
Overall, the Valdosta State University Spring 2025 Senior Exhibition “nexus” was a remarkable and motivational celebration of artistic development, uniqueness and community. Viewers were given a dynamic and emotionally impactful experience by the distinct perspectives each artist contributed to the exhibition. The thoughtful layout, variety of media, and personal narratives made the exhibition both visually stunning and meaningful. It was clear that these senior artists poured their hearts into their work, offering a powerful reflection on their journeys as individuals and university art students. “Nexus” successfully captured the spirit of transition, collaboration and personal expression, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended.
References
“nexus”, Senior Show artist statements. Valdosta State University, 2025
“nexus” Exhibition 2025, Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/nexus_vsu
[1] Gavin Ponder – Spring 2025 Senior exhibition Artist Statement
[2] Gavin Ponder – Spring 2025 Senior exhibition Artist Statement
[3] Ari White – Spring 2025 Senior exhibition Artist Statement
[4] Ali Holcomb – Spring 2025 Senior exhibition Artist Statement – @nexus_vsu, Instagram, accessed April 30, 2025, https://www.instagram.com/nexus_vsu.
[5] Ali Holcomb – Spring 2025 Senior exhibition Artist Statement
[6] Elizabeth Wilson – Spring 2025 Senior exhibition Artist Statement
[7] Lexi Bennett – Spring 2025 Senior exhibition Artist Statement