"Montclair State University 2011 MFA Studio Arts Thesis Exhibition"

Sideshow Gallery

poster for "Montclair State University 2011 MFA Studio Arts Thesis Exhibition"

This event has ended.

We Are We Make. Joined together as this exhibition's title, these four words possess the structure and brevity of an axiom. They seem to posit a direct link between being and creativity, suggesting that the latter logically derives from the former. But unlike, say, Cogito ergo sum – René Descartes' famous equation of thought and existence – our phrase lacks a comparable conjunction; a consequential "therefore" is missing. And this, I think, is an important distinction. Because the ten students presenting work in this show are not artists by nature. Their talent is not some mysterious essence that runs through their veins like blood. That popular notion of the artist is romantic and flawed, and diminishes the hard work involved in any creative endeavor. While getting to know these students over the past several months, I have instead witnessed long hours clocked in the studio, numerous lively debates about each other's work, and a willingness to redouble energy and commitment in the face of criticism and various other obstacles. Ultimately, I think they are making brave decisions to embark on careers as artists, especially in a culture where that effort is not always valued and rewarded. So while there are no doubts that these ten artists exist in the world, they all make art by choice, with deliberation, and often with great passion.

Media

Schedule

from May 13, 2011 to June 11, 2011

Opening Reception on 2011-05-13 from 18:00 to 21:00

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