Epilogue displays art, computer students thesis exhibitions

The M.F.A. studio art and the computer graduating class of 2012 presented their group thesis exhibition Epilogue on Thursday. Epilogue consisted of contemporary work including painting, photography, sculpture, and multimedia.

The opening reception was held in the UCF Art Gallery located in room 140 of the Visual Arts Building. The gallery showcased the artistic talents of M.F.A. students Corey Robertson, Jeff Hoffman, Sherri Nienass, Nannette Cherry, Heather Comparetto, and Spider.

Approaching the exhibit, one could hear the soft music of an acoustic guitar and see the crowd of people waiting in the lobby to enter the gallery. Even passersbys could view works of art by Hoffman who set up some of his ice sculptures outside.

The inviting atmosphere outdoors served to draw in students who were otherwise unaware that the event was even taking place. Joelle Riccobono, a junior majoring in emerging media and animation, was intrigued when she heard music and noticed the crowd gathered at the building’s entrance so she joined the fun.

“It’s all really interesting,” Riccobono said. “I wish I knew about the exhibition ahead of time.”

The gallery exuded elegance. Light snacks and beverages were served in the lobby prior to entering. The six artists, along with a mix of professors, students and other guests mingled amid the many works of art.

The ambience of the gallery, everything from the lighting schematics to the musical selection playing in the background, was laid out by the students, according to gallery director Diane Daugherty.

“The things I would normally do-the installation-the students did it all on their own,” Daugherty said.

Comparetto, one of the third year students in the studio art and the computer M.F.A. program, showcased a series of photographs. Though each photograph individually was untitled, the work as a whole was called The Bed as Object and Metaphor. According to Comparetto, she had been working on her collection since September of last year. It had all finally come together for her, complete with her choice of lighting and a pile of pillows and other bedclothes in the middle of the room to bring the photos to life.

“I did it all on my own,” Comparetto said. “Well, I didn’t actually climb up there and set up the lights, but I directed it. And I put that there,” she said in reference to the pile of bedding.

Cherry presented a series of paintings for her thesis. They were all portraits but not of random people.

“They’re paintings of the other artists here at the exhibit,” Cherry said.

Each portrait was named after one of her classmates. This sense of companionship was evident among the artists since they had been working together in the program for the past three years. They had a gallery much like this one in downtown Orlando not too long ago, according to Cherry.

One artist's exhibit stood out from the others. Robertson’s work could be found in a back room with a disclaimer advising only mature audiences to enter. Robertson’s artwork, focusing solely on transgender subjects, displayed nudity and somewhat controversial subject matter with biblical titles for each photograph. Robertson’s work was stated to confront stereotypes associated with being transgender.

Robertson was not the only artist looking to make a powerful statement about society. Nienass showcased a series of photographs all taken in boutiques and department stores like Victoria’s Secret. The statement hanging on the wall alongside her work read, “My art is both a celebration and commentary on the beauty industry and contemporary consumerism.”

Epilogue is not just eye candy. It is a multi-faceted exhibition that brings together various art forms annotated with the philosophical and social commentaries of the artists who created them. It will continue to run through March 31 and is free and open to the public for those who have yet to visit.