TXST Art thesis on display

Texas State University Fine Art seniors’ thesis work is currently installed on the second floor of the Joann Cole Mitte Building and will be available to view until 5 p.m. today. The show is a treat for the senses and a must-see for local art lovers filled with immersive installations, paintings, ceramics, metalwork, photography and more.

(cutlines in order of appearance)
Pictured is Lena Wilson who even made the table upon which her delicate ceramic pieces sit. Wilson’s work is inspired by Tea Parties. The morbid depiction of a tea party, which is normally an activity for young girls, is a commentary of the death of innocence. The amputated limbs and other Texas Chainsaw Massacre imagery highlights the cannibalistic nature of patriarchal society.

Pictured is a piece by Henry Gutierrez-Field that incorporates metalwork in addition to painting, containing three canvases with a silver and copper centerpiece. Field’s piece is a three-dimensional and functional piece that requires a full walk around to soak it all in. The colorful abstract paintings are a perfect contrast to the sleek, angular metalwork construction in the center. Field strives to explore narratives related to postcolonialism and semiotics, the study of symbols.

Pictured is a multimedia piece by Daci Anzaldua that incorporates poetry and photography. With its religious, macabre and intense emotional subject matter, the piece is meant to explore the journey of grief one goes through when faced with loss.

Pictured is a realistic depiction of a scene from Putt Pub by Kamil Guerra. This is one in a series of paintings in the exhibit that depict the personal experiences of the artist, which navigate the contrast between the mundane and the profound.

Pictured is a series of photos by Lauren Wheeler, who comes from a line of photographers. Wheeler conducted family research, incorporating photos taken by family members and family friends as well as their own in order to show the inaccuracy of their family archives.

Pictured Atom Von Arndt interacts with Rebekah Porter’s immersive installation. Inspired by her Opa’s postcard collection, and dedicated to him as well, the piece explores “physical representations of time well spent,” incorporating hundreds of post cards. One part of the piece appears to be a home with the walls made of card sleeves with post cards from across time. Near the structure and on the wall is a mailbox with complimentary post cards for the viewers to take and a drawing that depicts scenes from several of the cards.

Pictured is a piece by Gretchen Garlitos that represents raw, authentic expression with no target audience. Garlitos found that creating for the target audience was exhausting and not rewarding, and this three-canvas made using pastels was a chance to be free to create once again.

Pictured is a photograph by Maria Luevano that shows a butterfly on some lantanas. The image is so crisp and perfectly captured that one can see the tiny details on the butterfly from its spots to its antennas to the tongue sipping nectar from the flower.

Pictured is an immersive installation by Amber Miranda that is a reflection of life as a first generation Mexican American, depicting the blend of both worlds. As Miranda put it, “being born in the United States doesn’t negate my identity as a Mexican the same way as coming from Mexican parents doesn’t negate my rights as an American citizen.”