Master of Fine Arts Solo Exhibitions

The Wonsook Kim School of Art requires each graduating MFA student to mount a solo exhibition at the tail end of the three-year terminal degree program. Through the support of a thesis committee of faculty mentors this exhibition signifies the successful completion of an MFA education as a studio artist. Students work diligently in their downtown Bloomington studios to grow their studio practice, and to develop their distinct voices as makers. While working towards their solo exhibitions, MFA students also write a supportive statement – a writing project that fits alongside the work in their solo exhibition. This semester, we have three MFA exhibitions, and we are appreciative of your interest in the work graduate student artists. Normally, these exhibitions exist inside Transpace, our student gallery, in the Center for the Visual Arts. This semester, these exhibitions are only existing in this digital platform due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Jenny V. Castañon

Soy Nadie (I'm Nobody)

"In my past paintings, I tried to figure out why my subjects had me empathizing with strangers. Looking back on my Mexican-American upbringing, I realized how society and my communal culture are influencing the way I think and process information. So, for this body of work, the physical fragmentation of the figure alludes to a psychological fragmentation. In this case, it is as if the figure cannot withstand the tension and is barely able to remain whole and recognizable. What remains of the person is trying to repair itself."

Making this work was funded in part by the Illinois State University Friends of the Arts.

Jenny V. Castañon

Untitled, 2020, 30 x 30in. acrylic and marker on canvas

Jenny V. Castañon

Several Personalities, 2020, 38 x 36in. acrylic and marker on canvas

Jenny V. Castañon

Mamá y Hija (Mother and Daughter), 2020, 32 x 32in. acrylic, marker, and ink on canvas

Jenny V. Castañon

Mamá y Hija (Mother and Daughter) Detail

Jenny V. Castañon

El Carácter 2 (The Character 2), 2020, 40 x 42 in. acrylic and marker on canvas

Jenny V. Castañon

A Veces Si, a Veces No (Sometimes Yes, Sometimes No) acrylic on canvas

Jenny V. Castañon

Untitled, acrylic on canvas

Jenny V. Castañon

Untitled (bust) stoneware, underglaze, glaze

Jenny V. Castañon

Untitled (bust) stoneware, underglaze, glaze deatil 14 1

Jenny V. Castañon

Untitled (bust) stoneware, underglaze, glaze detail

Jenny V. Castañon

Untitled (bust) detail stoneware, underglaze, glaze detail

Travis Adams

"This body of blown glass works is rooted in topology and the relationship of continuous surfaces. The category of topology has guided my examination of sculptural forms whose surfaces and openings permit fluid passage between internal and external spaces. These forms encourage a heightened perceptual awareness of connections between inner and outer contexts (metaphorically, etc.), perhaps leading to the point of personal identification. This may permit these sculptures to stimulate thoughts of our own experiences of inner and outer exchange, both physically and psychologically."

Anthony Hamilton

Running from the touch on my back

"I rediscovered a family photo box two years ago. An image of my grandfather sat on the top of the piles in the tupperware box. The photo created an immediate intensity From the point of this discovery I have needed to explore why photographs can create haunting resonances. I use a photomedia practice to explore the limits of knowledge and mysterious entanglements provoked by our experiences with vernacular photography and the warmth of technology."