By Kat Cardenas, Staff writer
The 14th annual senior graphic design and studio arts exhibition premiered in the Lore Degenstein Gallery on March 24.
The exhibition, “Infinite,” was a collaborative work of the graphic design and studio art students throughout their time on campus.
Mark Fertig, associate professor of graphic design and chair of the art department, said exclusively students organize the show with no help from professors.
“There really isn’t another graphic design program like this in the nation,” added Fertig.
Senior Maura Geiselman said she included publication work, trifold brochures and magazine spreads in her display.
“I wanted to have more of an interactive experience at my podium so viewers could pick up my pieces and leaf through them,” Geiselman said.
Senior Sarah Cloos, in her display, featured a series of portraits, including some impressionist paintings that personify things or feelings that are not human.
“The inspiration behind it is that no matter what happens, every person or thing that happens to you molds who you become,” Cloos said.
“People and moments come and go from our lives, but I find that they are so important that they deserve more than a quick picture on my phone,” Cloos continued. “It’s sort of my way of reciprocating what these people have done for me.”
Cloos also custom-built her canvases and frames.
“I made this series my life since the beginning of this year and it was finally completed,” Cloos said. “This was my first time stretching canvases and framing and it took a long time and a lot of trial and error.”
On the artistic process behind her work, Cloos said, “It was really tough to choose who and what to paint, because there are innumerable people deserving of a painting. These just happened to come out of my hands first.”
“It’s very tough, because although a lot of people may not realize it, everything I made was extremely personal,” Cloos continued. “I felt very exposed during the gallery opening.”
Senior Lucas Janos, on his display, said he chose a variety of different pieces that he enjoyed working on the most and believed came out the best. His display included works such as branding and company identity, posters, magazine spreads, book jackets and packaging design, specifically beer design.
When asked about the theme, “Infinite,” Janos said, “We all decided on ‘infinite’ because we are such different artists.”
“We needed something to unite us together and show that our pieces are not only forever to us, but our lives as designers [are] an infinite process,” Janos continued.
Geiselman also commented on her admiration of the other artists and the community within the art industry.
“I am so lucky to have so many talented designers in this department who have inspired me to get better every day,” said Geiselman.
“It is so crucial to support creators and those who are dedicated to the task of making art,” Geiselman continued. “I am also proud of the show as a whole and how wonderfully everyone worked together to make this special night possible. It is a wonderful feeling to have finished going through this experience and realizing how much we have improved as a designers and artists over the years.”
The gallery is open from 11a.m.-5 p.m. and the senior art exhibition will be open until April 8.
