School of Visual Arts presents “Beautiful Losers,” an exhibition of work by third-year BFA Cartooning and BFA Illustration students. Curated by Thomas Woodruff, chair of BFA Cartooning and BFA Illustration, “Beautiful Losers” is on view Saturday, April 8, through Saturday, April 22, at the SVA Chelsea Gallery, 601 West 26th Street, 15th floor, New York City.

The theme “Beautiful Losers” is reflected in the tragic hero and heroine characters in literature like Dr. Frankenstein, Jay Gatsby, Lady Macbeth and Lolita, all of whom will be featured among the 1000 works by 80 emerging artists at this exhibition. On view there will be a Japanese tattoo inspired project based on David Lean’s film Bridge on the River Kwai, a contemporary take on Henrik Ipsen’s play A Doll’s House of large oil paintings with crepe paper additions, a series of exquisite Victorian inspired dolls depicting the characters from Tchaikovky’s ballet Swan Lake and more.

With a commitment to excellence dating back to SVA’s founding in 1947, BFA Cartooning helps students develop a point of view and an individual voice as they master the rudiments of line, color and form in a wide range of media. Studies of art history and world cultures are paired with painting, drawing, storytelling and pictorial problem solving, culminating in the production of a portfolio of original work that presents each student's distinct sensibility. Comic books, graphic novels, children's books, editorial cartoons, theatrical posters, figurative art exhibitions, film and television credits and production designs—all are powerful vehicles for artists' inner worlds and meaningful contributions to a public forum. At SVA, cartooning students are prepared to lead the way.

BFA Illustration cultivates expert individual voices that are sustained by a high degree of craft, with a curriculum designed to spark the imagination as well as teach the art of interpretation: the ability to carefully read and cross-reference texts, research visual styles and conceptualize and produce significant bodies of work. As they progress through the program, assignments become increasingly professional in nature and reflect the diversity of the illustration marketplace, from media, entertainment and publishing to fashion and toy design, among other fields. Students develop sophisticated, multifaceted portfolios and participate in industry-sponsored competitions, which provide valuable exposure and networking opportunities.

Exhibition

Beautiful Losers

SVA Chelsea Gallery

Reception