‘Catharsis’ exhibition showcases thesis work of MSU fine arts grads

Contact: Aspen Harris

STARKVILLE, Miss.—Seventeen Mississippi State fine arts seniors will celebrate their recent work and upcoming graduation in a thesis exhibition across three locations on the Starkville campus.

Open May 5-11, the “Catharsis” show will include installations in the art galleries of the Visual Arts Center, Cullis Wade Depot and Colvard Student Union. Distinctive in content, medium and scale, each student’s work will showcase a variety of thoughts and ideas joined together for one exhibition.

A public reception will be held May 5, 2-4 p.m. in all three galleries with students discussing their work.

Student exhibitors include (by hometown):

BRANDON—Gabrielle Dunn, investigating social anxiety and depression and how it changes one’s world perception through an animated video trilogy.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado—Kadence Lewis, exploring emotions and the subconscious through woodcut printmaking techniques and symbolism.

COVINGTON, Louisiana—Chloe Ruggiero, focusing on portraiture to create work driven by intimate moments between friends and loved ones.

GREENVILLE—Melanie Word, focusing on oil paintings of stuffed animals of loved ones to evoke compassion and understanding and portray humanity.

HOLCOMB—Rayeanne Williams, exploring themes of anger, loss and violence through perspectives of a protagonist and antagonist.

HUNTSVILLE, Alabama—Rabia Siddiqui, using her interest in theology and independence to create works to process humanity.

KNOXVILLE, Tennessee—Natalie May, creating works primarily with acrylic, alcohol marker and cut paper based on experiences with loved ones.

LISMAN, Alabama—Raine Phillips, addressing personal feelings across the emotional spectrum with a digital illustration series of creatures and the places they live.

MADISON—Liza Ambriz, exploring compassion and awareness toward invasive and displaced species through hand-built ceramic altars.

OCEAN SPRINGS—Madi Hart, highlighting abstract and non-objective forms through metal, masonry and woodworking.

PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania—Mary Chen, revolving her work around narratives inspired by personal experiences, imagination and social issues.

RIDGELAND—Abbey Temple, showcasing works using storytelling through visuals to evoke emotions, prompt reflection and ignite awe.

SOUTHHAVEN—Emily Crunk, aiming to represent difficult feelings and create a connection with her audience through the use of clay figures.

TUPELO—Hallie Andrews, highlighting fantastical imagery that explores subject matter in realized environments, as well as surreal and fractured settings; and Maury Johnston, exploring human emotions within the context of liminal spaces in her work.

WINONA—William Donovan Weathers, focusing on new meditations on relationships with intimate, subconscious and external methods of archive through the passage of time.

For more information about the artists and individual gallery hours, visit www.caad.msstate.edu/exhibitions.

Learn more about MSU’s College of Architecture, Art and Design and the Department of Art at www.caad.msstate.edu.

Mississippi State University is taking care of what matters. Learn more at www.msstate.edu.