Visual Arts Gallery, School of Visual Arts
May 26 – June 6, 2009
Reception: Tuesday, May 26, 6 – 8pm
Performances and Artist Demonstrations:
Saturday, May 30, 2 – 4pm
Gallery Hours:
Monday – Saturday, 10am – 6pm
Free and open to the public
Tel: 212-592-2145
Email: [email protected]
http://www.mfaca.sva.edu
The School of Visual Arts (SVA) presents “Mediated Realities,” showcasing thesis projects from 2009 graduates of the MFA Computer Art Department. Curated by faculty member Russet Lederman, the exhibition features over 30 creative works, including interactive media installations, 3D animation, experimental video and motion graphics, immersive spaces and performances. The 39 participating artists explore their inner selves, the outer world, and how their relationships to one another, society and the environment are mediated through technology. These artists combine traditional media, advanced technologies and custom programming to convey messages that question social interactions and communication in our media saturated world. Department Chair Bruce Wands comments, “This is a new generation of artists that grew up digitally literate and are not afraid to embrace and combine traditional and new media to make their personal artistic statements”.
Dustin Grella‘s “Prayers for Peace” is created from thousands of drawings that are digitally photographed, hand-drawn and processed. Grella uses a rotoscoping technique, whereby each image is projected onto a chalkboard and then re-drawn by hand using soft pastels. The central narrative of Grella’s animation is the death of his brother Devin Grella, who was killed in Iraq while delivering a military diesel tanker to an active combat zone near Najaf.
Rita Sa Mendes creates a multi-channel video installation exploring the context and transformation of human interactions in our current society. Using five LCD screens arranged in a darkened room, Mendes creates an immersive environment in which the viewer’s attention is focused on animations that question the nature of mediated social interactions and communications. Starting with watercolor paintings inspired by photographic material taken from the Internet, Mendes’ working style is process-oriented and seeks to engage the spectator in a fluid, non-linear digital video conversation.
The MFA Computer Art Department emphasizes creative experimentation and a multidisciplinary approach. Dedicated to producing digital artists of the highest caliber, the department guides each student in the development of a personal artistic style and a course of study that is individually tailored to meet his/her needs. The program also offers concentrations in animation, digital video/motion graphics, installation and digital fine art, interactive media, sound art and performance.
http://www.mfaca.sva.edu
School of Visual Arts (SVA) in New York City is an established leader and innovator in the education of artists. From its inception in 1947, the faculty has been comprised of professionals working in the arts and art-related fields. SVA provides an environment that nurtures creativity, inventiveness and experimentation, enabling students to develop a strong sense of identity and a clear direction of purpose.
http://www.sva.edu
Image above:
Taek Sang Kim, The Flow: Continuity of Time, 2009
For more information go to: http://www.mfaca.sva.edu
