M.F.A. students show work in SUArt Galleries exhibition ‘MFA MMX’

The SUArt Galleries will present “MFA MMX (2010)”–an exhibition that represents the culmination of three years of art making and research to achieve a master of fine arts degree from the College of Visual and Performing Arts at Syracuse University–April 1-May 16 at the Galleries’ facilities in the Shaffer Art Building. Twenty artists will exhibit a range of work artwork that encompasses the gamut of craft and concept including ceramics, painting, sculpture, photography, video and interactive media.

A gallery reception will take place Thursday, April 8, from 5-7 p.m.

While each artist works independently on their thesis concepts, themes have routinely emerged within the group, crossing the boundaries of media and style. This year’s exhibition is no exception; the work exudes a highly developed sense of technique and thought. In “MFA MMX,” however, the artists engage the viewer, both physically and psychologically, in a way not seen in previous M.F.A. exhibitions.

The narrative photography of Jared Landberg, a documentary film by Sonya Pollard, and the video installation of Esther Probst are examples of the thematic way many of the artists record their personal history or specific experiences. Another pervading theme in the exhibition is interaction: walking through the unique environments created by painters Gwendolyn Mercado-Reyes and Jessica Sharpe, playing the autobiographical video game created by Ryan Marchand or taking one of the hundreds of ceramic cups thrown by Shawn O’Connor, the viewer is invited to physically take part in the artistic experience.

For additional information, including a complete list of participating artists and artist statements, visit http://suart.syr.edu.