seniors 2020 – Art Criticism

Senior Show Profile: Elliott Ingram

Rina Ramsey

Elliott Ingram was born in Decatur, Alabama, before moving to Valdosta, Georgia where he was raised for the remainder of his childhood. Ingram was raised in church being influenced by the Southern Black community. He was taught there was a specific way to be successful. He noticed a pattern within the Black community of people following in their parent’s footsteps, pursuing the medical industry or the military, for example. Ingram wanted to pursue his own path and art is that path. He aims to communicate his experience of growing up in the Black community and how that has impacted his pursuit of art.

Overcoming all obstacles

by: Tony Coates

Tatyana Jackson, a senior this year at Valdosta State University, Majoring in Fine arts, is a Graphic Designer primarily but whose mediums can also include painting. Coming from Carrollton, Georgia Jackson started her creative journey in highschool but truly refined her path during college. Jackson said that the inspiration of her art comes from experiences before and during college, saying that it is an easy way to express herself and other emotions through her art, as well as being very inspired by family too.

Faith in the Process

By Christian Perry

Finally, for Tony Coates, there is something to look forward to during these strange times. What’s certain for him is the completion of his senior year, acquiring a Bachelor’s of Arts degree, at Valdosta State University. The artist, from Gwinnett county, Ga, is featured in Dedo Maranville Fine Arts Gallery exhibition, “In Bold”, along with the rest of his senior class.

Acid Baths and Southern Nostalgia

By: Harlee E. Webb

Isaac Wright, *Pickup,* etching, 11×14″, 2019

He crouched down on the floor with his back against the couch, laughing as we each yelled “Can you hear me now?” into the microphones of our respective laptops. Isaac Wright, a current senior artist in the Valdosta State, Dedo Maranville Fine Arts Gallery exhibition “In Bold,” sat down with me to discuss his livelihood as a maker, as well as his work as a whole. Amid a pandemic that has shaken the world, it has become apparent that the arts are also not immune to panic and have felt the ramifications of a slowing world. Isaac discusses not only how his sleep schedule has been impacted but also his motivation, workspace, artwork, and mindset.

Distance Does Not Stop Creativity.

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.