Annabelle Smith
Photo by Mark Youngblood
The opening reception for this year’s senior visual artists took place last week on March 18th. Hosted in the Kepler Theater at HCC, “Uncanny Valley” was a stunning display of work
created by the class of 2022 visual artists. The exhibition included work from all of their four years at BISFA and included everything from oil paintings to textile work to the enchanting, one-night-only mannequin installation.
The mannequin installation features twelve mannequins, each one designed by one of this year’s senior visual artists. The installation itself was a spur-of-the-moment project, began only a month before the exhibition. The artists visited an abandoned store and found the mannequins for sale, and the project was put into motion. What followed was the
design, creation, and finally, showcase of pieces that represent each of the artists. Their individuality and personality can be seen in the unique artwork covering each of the mannequins, from vibrant colors to intricate linework. This truly fascinating installation captured the awe and attention of everyone in attendance, showcasing the power of art as a form of self-expression. (Photo by Rae West)
Of course, it wasn’t always easy. Set-up required days of prep, loads of boxes, and a rented box truck to transport the mannequins from the school to the Kepler Theater. It was a stressful process, but everything fell into place beautifully on the opening night. The seniors were over the moon to see the culmination of all their years of hard work out in the open after the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic. The beauty of the night did not come only from the artwork, but from the pride each of the artists had in themselves and each other.
Photo 1 by Rae West, photos 2&3 by Kidney Shilling
Emotions were running high for everyone, including the teachers who were finally able to showcase their students’ work in the way it is designed to be enjoyed. Both Ms. Merchant and Mr. Geiman remarked how extremely proud they are of this year’s seniors and how elated they were to give them such a remarkably special night. Both teachers could not express their joy enough, but their messages to their students perfectly encapsulate the emotions felt by everyone, both from looking back at the years spent creating together and the short months left ahead. “Never lose the love of making art the way you’re making it now,” Ms. Merchant said. “Job well done,” Mr. Geiman said. “It’s been an honor and a privilege to work with each and every one of you.”
It’s not only graduation that made the night so special, though. By displaying the work created from freshman year to now, the artists also uncovered the memories made alongside each of the pieces showcased in the exhibition. “Seeing it all up and being able to remember how I was feeling when we had [each] project is surreal,” said Cora Rosenthal. “Seeing friends and teachers from middle school and freshman year, and being able to show them how much you’ve improved, it’s very uplifting and kind of emotional as well,” Ava Demers said. For these seniors, the gallery was not only a chance to display their work -- it was a time capsule of the all four years spent exploring, creating, and discovering themselves through art.
Art by Senior Visual Artists, Photos by Kidney Shilling
Even if the night was bittersweet for most, the seniors are incredibly excited for what lies ahead. “I’m excited to see what our juniors do as seniors,” said Jamie Daus. In addition to tonight’s show, there will also be a spring show on April 22nd in the BISFA gallery.
While the mannequins will not be on display for the full length of the gallery, all of the artwork will be in the Kepler Theater until April 1st. Stop by to see the exhibition and make sure to congratulate the senior visual artists, not only on a beautiful exhibition, but also on their hard work, dedication, and inspiring creativity.
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