Exhibition

School of Visual Arts presents “Re-treat, Re-born, Re-venge, Re-position, Re-charge, Re-peat,” an exhibition of thesis work by the MAT Art Education class of 2017. Curated by department chair Rose Viggiano, the exhibition is on view Saturday, June 24, through Saturday, July 8, at the SVA Flatiron Gallery, 141/133 West 21st Street, New York City.

The backdrop of political division in this country has challenged the MAT Art Education students to consider their own identities and concerns in the theme of this year’s show. This came about after much class discussion, which ranged from political to personal issues. With this in mind, the each student selected a different word that begins with the prefix “re-,” and made a work of art expressing what the word means to them.

Rachel Diamond selected the word “retreat” and created an artwork that reflects her need to be in nature. She has made a virtual space in which real and artificial plants co-exist with her artwork. One senses her longing for the introspection, beauty and serenity one experiences in nature.

Yoogin Lin’s large abstract canvas and roped wings represent the word “reborn.” On viewing the piece one has the feeling of past struggles, which through time transform into an uplifting state of mind. She has created an inter-dimensional space in her paintings which are grounded by a winged apparition.

Apolonia Guerrero’s abstract canvases are covered with words and images that conjure up disappointment, anger and revenge. They have a figurative aspect with physiological and emotional elements purging the past.

Menoara Mazid’s soft sculpture represents her struggle to maintain her Bangladeshi and Muslim traditions and beliefs while acculturating to US life. The figure sculpture is not fully grounded and without a head, trying to reposition itself while also transforming into something new.

Brandon Scaglione has chosen several words to illustrate in cut-out images. They represent everyday situations which can recharge, return, readjust, rearrange and retire depending on the given time, place and mood. Each event becomes a timeline filled with memories and experiences.

Stephanie Ard’s artwork is a tribute to her deceased father who died young and unexpectedly. Her memory of her father continues to repeat itself in many different ways. For example, her father collected pennies and put them into in a large jar. She has taken this strong memory and mapped 4,909 pennies representing the days, months and years she shared with her father.

MAT Art Education at SVA provides a hands-on learning environment where student teachers research and explore educational issues and topics while continuing to make art. Course work relates directly to fieldwork and student teaching through the discussion of course development, classroom management and age-appropriate application of educational theory.

The SVA Flatiron Gallery, located at 141/133 West 21st Street, is open Monday through Friday, 9:00am to 7:00pm, and Saturday, 10:00am to 6:00pm. It is fully accessible by wheelchair.