The annual BFA exhibition opened on Wednesday night in D&M and in Silver Cultural Arts Center. On display are senior thesis works by this years seniors in the Bachelor of Fine Arts major.
The studio art portion of the exhibit, located in the Karl Drerup Gallery on the first floor of the D&M, is full of stunning works of art created by BFA Studio Art majors. What instantly caught my eye was Nathan Howe’s untitled paintings of abstract, biomorphic shapes that literally spill right off the canvas and are continued on pieces attached to the sides. I was particularly drawn to Untitled #4, with its dark blue-green tones and patterns and a dark shape moving up and down the canvas until it wanders off the sides near the top and bottom.
Wayne Stokes’ paintings were the next ones I saw. I was particularly drawn to Reclining Nude. This was painted on what appears to be a sheet of plywood, which adds a wood-grain texture that only adds to the subtle colors of the painting, creating an organic, natural feel.
The most intense works in the studio art exhibit are those of Josh Belanger. His paintings almost remind me of comic books, only much more active and alive. My favorite one of his is Athena, which, like several of his pieces, is splattered with red paint, which makes the painting seem almost enraged. The figures look like they are about to jump off the wall at you. Athena in particular is very intense, with a bright red background and a face that looks like pure fear.
Over at Silver, the Graphic Design BFA majors’ theses are on display. Each one involves a corporate identity of some sort, with stationary, promotional materials, and samples of products these companies might produce. One exhibit, Kristin Morin’s PigPen, even features an interactive computer game.
Amelia Korre created an extensive travel package to the Greek island of Naxos, featuring a large brochure, a handmade book, a public computer kiosk, and giant promotional banners that hang on the wall behind the rest of the exhibit. The computer kiosk includes a timeline as well as other information on the island, so you can get a geography and history lesson at the same time as you’re taking in the show.
Directly next to the Naxos exhibit is Jason Smith’s “Travel Agency” for outdoor enthusiasts, Venturer.com. This again comes with a brochure, lots of business stationery, and a “confirmation gift package” that unfolds from a diamond-shaped box to reveal a water bottle, a compass, and a couple of other useful tools. It also features a public computer kiosk with more information on the services offered by Venturer.com.
Of personal interest to me was Mark Seavey’s www.spotlight.com exhibit, which features three record labels and paraphernalia from each one, including clothing and a CD package.
The sheer amount of work that went into these exhibits is amazing, and the results are well worth the effort. All of the projects on display are amazing and inspiring. It’s well worth the trip to the D&M and Silver to check it out.