Big Artist Energy - 2020 Senior Thesis

The seeds of each project are planted in late August, and reach full growth in early May. During this time, each member of the class digs deep into both materials and subject matter, infusing the two to arrive at the most effective means of expression. This includes studio exploration, research into contemporary and historical artistic context, and pooling ideas and resources with the group. Together, they work through a transition of identity from students fulfilling requirements, to artists finding their voices and driving their practices.

However, this year’s Senior Thesis journey has taken a drastically unexpected turn. As I write this, we are in our first week of “distance learning” to fight the spread of coronavirus. Our group will not meet in person for the remainder of the semester, and our May exhibition has been canceled. We will be pioneers of a new means of artistic distribution – a “virtual exhibition” in collaboration with Professor Matt Kenyon’s Web Design class.

In light of these developments, this group – like creative communities around the world – will have to summon even more “BIG ARTIST ENERGY.” How can they realize their projects without planned access to space, tools or materials? Artists have faced limitations throughout history, and managed to get their ideas into the world. I am in awe of our students for bringing their biggest “BAE” and I can’t wait to see what they come up with.

Becky Brown
March 25th, 2020

• FENGTING ZHAO
• FANFAN YUAN
• HANG YU
• GABRIELLA VICTORIA
• BROCK RUTHERFORD
• BROOKE RIDGEWAY
• XIAOXI QIN
• ELI POWERS
• HOANG NGUYEN
• JOCELYN HUSSEY
• KAYDE GRIFFIN