05/05/07

Themes ranging from personal identity to wearable art and dance are explored by six Saint Mary's students who will showcase their art at the Senior Thesis Exhibition in the Hearst Art Gallery from May 7 to May 10.
Each thesis is focused on a single theme. Akina Kawazu photographically documented Asian-American students on the Saint Mary's campus, while Megan Kapov tapped into her childhood interest in ballet by making an installation that invites visitors to participate in a mock dance studio that features costumes and toe shoes. Exhibition hours are 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily, and a reception is scheduled for May 9 from 12:30 to 2 p.m.

"This year's Senior Thesis Exhibition is a reflection of contemporary practices in visual art," said Anna Novakov, associate professor of art history. "It focuses on the use of new technology and visual literacy as a tool for self-discovery."

Jennifer Fobroy will show a series of digital self-portraits that explored issues of personal identity, while Victoria Ramirez plans to present work that includes sculptural installation, video projection and personal performance.

"This exhibition is the culmination of a great learning experience at Saint Mary's," Ramirez said. "I have been very passionate about art, and I have dedicated a lot of time, effort and heart to these pieces. It is funny how many times I have called Public Safety so that they could please open the studios for me."

A fashion line of wearable art is the centerpiece of a presentation by Clinton "Rocky" Wells. Tiffany Holder will display a series of digital videos and large-scale photographs of fictional narratives.

"Through its use of media arts, the exhibition highlights Saint Mary's affiliation with the Bay Area's technology world as well as the Art and Art History department's interest in providing a supportive environment for art education," Novakov said.The students were allowed to tap into various creative outlets to create thesis projects.

"I have found myself even more passionate when it comes to creating and expressing something that relates with most or all of us," Ramirez said. "I have always had a joy for life and making a comment on aspects of this life experience. It is very interesting, and it becomes almost like a homage to life and the human experience from my perspective."

The six students were part of a yearlong pilot cohort program in which they participated in weekly forums to exchange ideas and critique their work.

"In many ways they blossomed as individuals during the process," Novakov said. "They were able to use new media visual art as a way of finding themselves."

--Kevin Damore
Office of College Communications