2024 Senior Exhibit at the Robert Elise Gallery

The sun shone brightly on a nice Wednesday noon and the weather graced us with its pleasantness. Outside Kadema Hall, a vibrant scene unfolded with students energetically engaging in their end-of-year ceramics sale, purchasing pieces made by other students and taking photos for inspiration. The atmosphere buzzed with an uplifting spirit. As I stepped into the Robert Else Gallery I was welcomed by a space of creativity and accomplishment.

I was immediately struck by the variety of art mediums on display. My eyes went from paintings on the wall to small ceramic pieces, 3D art, and large sculptures.

Giselle Villela, Rats!, 2024, Mixed Media

One of my favorite pieces of art is Rats! by Giselle Villela. This piece brilliantly uses mixed media to bring its whimsical and vibrant vision to life. The green areas provide a lush, textured grass look that contrasts with the urban elements. The pavement and buildings were meticulously painted and assembled to mimic real-world textures and patterns. The seagulls and rats and other small details, such as skateboards, traffic lights, and miniature vehicles, enhance the scene's depth. The scene bursts with color, with bright yellows, reds, vivid greens, and pops of color everywhere. The seagulls engaging in human activities is what gives this piece personality. I love humor.

Anthony Chavez, Shell, 2024, PLA plastic and Rust-Oleum spray paint

Another piece that caught my eye was Shell by Anthony Chavez. Shell brilliantly applies gestalt principles, contrasting with the negative space and making the audience's mind participate in understanding this art piece. The PLA (Polylactic Acid) plastic used is a biodegradable plastic derived from renewable resources such as corn starch or sugar cane. It's popular in 3D printing due to its low melting temperature and ease of use. Using this material to create the work, the artist is commenting on sustainability in the art world. This choice reflects a future where artists incorporate eco-friendly materials into their work, suggesting art that contributes positively to environmental concerns.

3D modeling has its advantages in art—it allows artists to explore more complex shapes and structures that would be difficult or impossible to achieve with traditional materials. It also has a high degree of precision and allows for tweaking different prototypes. I love that the curators considered this piece to showcase siding with the future of art! 

Elizabeth Tan, Signal Lost, 2024, 23/3D mixed media animation (Clip Studio Paint, Maya)

I also enjoyed seeing a large TV with an animation on it. On the screen was a cute white alien in a room, walking back and forth. I thought it was the cutest thing, as a kid I've always been drawn to cartoons and animations. I also have animated in the past, and it's not that easy to do so. I believe that animation involves great technical skill and knowledge, and can also be used as a powerful avenue to speak to audiences.

Mia Hill, Patched, 2024, Earthenware, wire, and embroidery floss

Patched was another piece that struck me because if its realism. The artist decided to use wire and embroidery floss to give the piece a distinct, tactile quality. Patched excellently embodies the innovative spirit of contemporary ceramics.

All in all, I enjoyed entering this Senior Art show and tapping into the works of many talented students. This was an enriching experience that allowed me to immerse myself in  each artwork, unique in its conception and execution, conveying its own distinct personality and message. This exhibit was not just a display of artistic skill, but a vibrant dialogue of ideas. Each piece stood out for its originality and the personal touch of its creator, reflecting individual journeys, thoughts, and emotions. The variety in mediums and techniques used—from ceramics and mixed media to digital installations—highlighted the breadth of the students' explorations and their mastery over their chosen forms of expression. This not only demonstrated their technical skills but also their ability to think innovatively.