News Summary
On April 17, 2025, UNC Charlotte celebrated the artistic achievements of its Bachelor of Fine Arts seniors with a reception highlighting their final projects. The exhibit, featuring a range of mediums, allowed students to present their unique artistic perspectives and personal journeys. Key themes included cultural identity, body image, and emotional vulnerability, reflecting the importance of art in expressing complex emotions.
UNC Charlotte Celebrates BFA Seniors at the Art & Art History Showcase
Charlotte, NC – On April 17, 2025, the atmosphere was electric at the UNC Charlotte Department of Art & Art History as they held a fantastic reception to celebrate the final projects of their Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) seniors! The exhibit, running from April 7 to April 25, 2025, showcased the incredible talents of nineteen graduating students whose works were displayed in the colorful hallways of the Rowe Arts Building.
A Showcase of Creativity Across Multiple Mediums
The reception was a grand culmination of students’ hard work and creativity, with each graduate proudly presenting their final projects on stage. The students took the audience on a journey through their thoughts and emotions as they unveiled works that incorporated a wide range of mediums, such as paintings, sculptures, animations, and video games. It was a beautiful representation of how each artist chose to express their unique personal experiences and perspectives.
For instance, Tea Aung led the presentation with a captivating animation piece that delved into the delicate theme of cultural identity. She explored the challenges faced by a young boy striving to reconcile his heritage. Aung’s work reminded us just how important our roots can be in shaping who we are.
Addressing Personal Struggles Through Art
Then there was Hirmani Brown, who presented her thought-provoking piece titled “Wanna Love Me Wanna Touch Me,” which bravely tackled issues surrounding body dysmorphia (BDD). As she discussed her project, Brown highlighted the societal pressures regarding body image, particularly the challenges faced by Black women, which resonated deeply with the audience.
Madeline Epperly brought a unique flair to the showcase with her two-dimensional video game comprising 15,000 frames. She examined the emotional intricacies of drifting away from a childhood friend, skillfully avoiding the pitfalls of portraying a villain in her narrative. In her own way, Epperly shared the challenges creators face when trying to depict complex emotional themes.
Photography major Tyler Wagoner shared his thoughts on the struggle every artist faces—being their own worst critic. This theme echoed throughout the event, with many graduates expressing similar feelings. Devin Cho, an illustration major, confessed to battling perfectionism, highlighting how this self-criticism can hinder the creative process.
Vulnerability: The Heart of Artistic Expression
The reception also showcased the emotional vulnerability involved in creating personal art. Ellen Doss, a dedicated painting major, spoke about the courage required to reveal one’s inner self through art. A palpable sense of relief washed over the graduates as they concluded their presentations, each feeling a mix of pride and excitement about their next steps.
The audience had the opportunity to engage during a Q&A session, where the seniors shared their wisdom and insights for aspiring artists. Their advice was heartfelt and varied, focusing on the importance of pursuing ambitious ideas and embracing the need for adaptability in their artistic journeys. Budding artists were encouraged to experiment and keep the creativity flowing.
Reflections on a Journey
Some graduates expressed the bittersweet nature of their experiences. Micah Mujica described his feelings after completing a challenging three-dimensional animation project. Rosa Cruz, who showcased a 2.5-dimensional video game that was inspired by personal loss, opened up about dealing with impostor syndrome—a common issue many face as they venture into the art world.
Karlen Lambert reflected on her late autism diagnosis and how it shaped her artistic identity. She shared how her experiences fueled her creativity. Finally, Khoa Tang wowed the audience with a horror video game featuring cute characters in a dark, twisted world—an intriguing juxtaposition that left a lasting impression.
A Celebration of Artistic Journeys
This BFA reception was more than just a showcase of talent; it was a celebration of artistry, imagination, and the personal growth journeys these talented graduates undertook during their time in the program. As they prepare to transition from students to professional artists, their heartfelt work and personal stories are sure to resonate in the hearts of many.
The event was a delightful reminder of the power of art to express complex emotions and connect us all in shared human experiences.
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Additional Resources
- Niner Times: Graduating Art Students Reflect
- WBTV: Final Weekend Charlotte Shout
- Chapelboro: Arts Angle – Repeating History
- Charlotte Observer: Local News Article
- News Observer: Education News Article
- Wikipedia: Art
- Google Search: Art Education
- Google Scholar: Art and Identity
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Art
- Google News: Art Exhibitions
Author: HERE Charlotte
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