miad senior thesis 2021

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This Weekend: MIAD’s Seniors Show Off at Thesis Exhibit

One of Wisconsin’s most expansive art exhibitions is held every spring in the Third Ward, showing off the work of a bunch of soon-to-be graduates.

Sometimes it’s OK to show off. That’s what seniors at the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design plan to do this weekend.

MIAD seniors spend at least a semester focusing on a single thesis project, showing off not only what they’ve learned in the last four years but also what they’re capable of post-graduation.

MIAD Senior Thesis Exhibition

Opening Reception: 5-9 p.m. on April 20 Mondays-Saturdays: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. until May 12 Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design: 273 E. Erie Street [/alert] There will be 119 different artists presenting their collegiate tour de force , the largest exhibition of its kind in Wisconsin.

“Students get job offers because of the thesis exhibition,” illustration professor Christiane Grauert said.

Stephen Guma is one of those 119 seniors whose work will be on display, but he says what he’s taught himself the last few months outweighs his desire to get hired right out of college.

“I would definitely like an employer to come around,” Guma laughs, knowing how difficult it can be for artists to land a job. “It’s important to get noticed.”

Guma is an illustration major who created an animated trailer, two posters and 3D-printed figurines for his thesis.

In the last few months, the 22-year-old Milwaukeean has battled with 3D printing for the first time, used his photography skills to inform how to light his animation and designed characters to fit into a story that’s been brewing in his mind for years. Even with all the planning and time devoted to the project, the video portion wasn’t 100-percent complete until earlier this week.

Guma says that his vision for the project didn’t fit into what professors expected or wanted, considering its multidisciplinary nature.

“My goal was to learn… (and) I learned, like, five different new (computer) programs just this semester to figure this thing out,” he says. “The thing is, my teachers, they wanted me to stick with what had been done, but I got them to come around.”

There’s also industrial design major Geoffrey Clark , who designed and built a one-of-a-kind machine that replicates an ancient form of fabric printing known as Batik.

Mariah Braddock will be receiving a communication design degree, and she started a philanthropic fashion company focused on female empowerment for her thesis.

“It’s the first opportunity to install an exhibit of their work, as opposed to just making a print or posting it online,” Grauert said. “It’s the vision of the next generation … (and) it’s unique to MIAD where every single graduating student gets to be part of the exhibit.”

The Opening Reception is open to the public on April 20 from 5-9 p.m. as part of Gallery Night and Day in the Third Ward , during which many students will be present to discuss their work.

The exhibition will remain on display and open to the public until May 12 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Mondays-Saturdays. Admission is free every day.

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How you can view the MIAD 2021 Senior Exhibition

Join us for a month of celebrating the MIAD Senior Exhibition April 16 – May 12, 2021 ! The exhibition showcases the culminating work of nearly 160 emerging creative professionals representing MIAD’s Bachelor of Fine Arts programs, including Communication Design, Illustration, Interior Architecture and Design, New Studio Practice: Fine Arts and Product Design.

How to celebrate virtually or in-person: 

• April 16 – May 8: On-campus exhibition on view in MIAD’s Galleries. Visitors must pre-register at least 48 hours in advance via an online form. The galleries will be open to only MIAD seniors and their families on May 8 from 9 a.m.–5 p.m (no registration required).
• May 6: Virtual MIAD 2021 Senior Exhibition opens. View online at seniorexhibition.miad.edu .
• May 12, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m., Virtual Artist & Designer Meet & Greet: Talk one-on-one with MIAD seniors about their work and professional career goals during this interactive online event. Links to each video meeting room will be available at seniorexhibition.miad.edu on May 12.

Follow us on social media for more updates: Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn and Twitter .

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MIAD Senior Thesis 2022

I THINK I’VE SEEN THIS EPISODE

Cardboard, hot glue, papier mȃché, acrylic paint. 2022.

DAY AT THE PARK

video. 2021.

I ALWAYS CRY ON THANKSGIVING

digital collage. 2021.

UNTITLED / WINDOW

projection and personal frames. 2019

I ALWAYS CRY ON THANKSGIVING PART 2

AMERICAN DREAM

kiarastrowder.com

Kiara Strowder

New Studio Practice: Fine Arts

I Love You Mommy

My practice is autobiographical, expounding on an array of different topics through the medium of drawing. My thesis specifically explores my relationship with my mother, and the memories we’ve shared. Having me at 19, she gave up her life so that I could find happiness. My mom is not always perfect, but I can always rely on her support and adoration.

“ I Love You Mommy ” is a series of drawings that serve as a proclamation of love to the woman who gifted me life. Each mark made recounting the 21 years spent together, and the sacrifices made in those years.

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