The 2024 MFA Visual Art thesis presentation, “Slingshot,” is preparing for its debut at the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum in May. Sponsored by the Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts, it’s an exhibition that refuses to be defined by any single medium, style or theme.
Featuring works from nine Sam Fox alumni, “Slingshot” represents a blend of painting, sculpture, installation, and multimedia. Each piece, a reflection of the artist’s dedication, talent, and creativity, seeks to engage the viewer in exploring themes of greater social, political, and personal impact.
The curators’ goal is to create a visceral experience that maximizes the visual impact of each artwork, showcasing the collective talent nurtured within the Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts.
All art enthusiasts are welcome at “Slingshot”, with a spate of related events scheduled over its duration, including artist talks, workshops, and guided tours.
“Slingshot”, for each artist involved, encapsulates concepts such as gravity, momentum, strain, liberation, youthfulness, and amusement. They employ various artistic mediums to explore themes around human form, individuality, architecture, and digital advancements. The slingshot itself symbolizes a rebellion against the status quo, a reflection of human capacity, and a vision of innovative drive.
The range of artistic mediums used attests to the artists’ versatility and ability to encapsulate varied perspectives. From collages that create vibrant pastiches of existing material, to sketches that offer raw introspection, the featured works invite viewers on a unique journey of artistic exploration.
In examining the human form, the artists delve into our inherent individuality, showcasing the beauty and complexity of each figure. Architectural elements advert to the structures we impose on the human spirit while digital advancements explore our symbiosis with technology and its rapidly advancing influence on our daily lives.
Participating artists and their works present a spectrum of thematic interests.
Slingshot 2024: a multidisciplinary art exploration
Emily Elhoffer’s work, for instance, focuses on hidden shapes and body functions while Johnny Geiger explores the intersection of the sacred and profane; Alexandra Zachary’s surreal landscapes evoke a sense of longing.
Other artists, like Sophia Hatzikos and Micah Mickles, use their art to explore human experiences and narratives. Kim O’Neill’s abstract paintings transcend verbal language. Meanwhile, Rocío Ponce uses ceramics to connect human existence’s tangible and metaphysical aspects.
Exhibiting artists exhibiting a meticulous study of the human form in relation to broader concepts, such as Samantha Neu’s erotic to grotesque human form studies and Thomas Lloyd’s highlighting of our unique contradictions and vulnerabilities. Emily Hill leans into surrealism to examine hidden truths.
“Slingshot” promises attendees an artistic journey that celebrates the diversity and creative ingenuity found in contemporary art. The exhibition features groundbreaking artists, emerging talents, and various media, challenging conventional perceptions of art. The exhibition also explores different cultures’ unique stories and identities, reflecting art’s true universality.
Interactive programs and talks at “Slingshot” will foster dialogue, enhance understanding, and stimulate appreciation of the artworks on display. Whether you’re an established art connoisseur or a novice, “Slingshot” invites you to ignite your creativity and challenge your perceptions of what art can be.
