BFA Graduates Share Their Work, and Viewpoints, in “The Society Collective” Exhibition

Dysfunctional. Conflictive. Glossy. Honest. Expressive. Controversial. Polished. Earthy. Materialistic. Grungy. Engendered. Documentary. Surrealistic.

From April 25–May 12, The University of Tampa’s Scarfone/Hartley Gallery is showcasing the work — and viewpoints — of 12 student artists graduating from the Bachelor of Fine Arts program at “The Society Collective — 2017 BFA Spring Exhibition.” There will be a reception to honor the graduates on Friday, May 5, from 6–8 p.m.

The exhibition offers an uncensored overview of a generational cross-section of society. Twelve young artists represent 12 individual viewpoints, which are expressed on the gallery’s walls. Their dissonant voices form a collective, awareness-raising, unorthodox comment on the ever-shifting landscape of millennial values:

Ian Goldwasser: “My work questions our society’s awareness of the materials we buy and consume on a daily basis.”

Katie Lane: “I combine figure with abstraction, and include high contrast, exaggerated color, expressive marks, detailed elements, and texture to express my dynamic view of society in modern America.”

Sophie Watkins: “My work aims to capture the vulnerability of people and cultures on a ‘glocal’ scale.”

Krystle Parks: “Focusing on imagery involving endangered animals, my art symbolizes the real and surreal perception of the extinction of these creatures in contemporary views.”

Hannah Hughes: “I photograph beauty for beauty’s sake.”

Jameson Mato: “My travels are my source of inspiration, providing me with immersive experiences of dramatically different cultures and people.”

Lindsy Tortorice: “My work consists of nude figures of women, whose body has the power to scream feminism and display the strength of its inherent beauty.”

Caitlin O’Brien: “A central theme of my work is gender, and how it shapes the entirety of our lives; my subject matter is the experience of women and non-binary transgender individuals.”

Ryan Lagasse: “My work is an exploration of self-development through the portrayal of androgynous and anthropomorphic figures.”

Rebecca Lee: “Particularly relevant in today’s political landscape, my work shows what happens when the ones who are being beaten down decide to no longer take the prejudice in stride, and choose to stand up for themselves and others.”

Lindsey Davis: “My artwork challenges the viewers’ inner psyche with a seemingly random juxtaposition of different collaged subjects.”

Samantha Gatelaro: “I create a personal emotional sign language, designed to express contemporary feelings of estrangement and alienation.”

The gallery is located on campus at the R.K. Bailey Art Studios, 310 North Boulevard, and is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. There is no charge for admission.

Programs at the Scarfone/Hartley Gallery are made possible with the support of the Arts Council of Hillsborough County, the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners and The University of Tampa Friends of the Gallery.

For more information, contact Jocelyn Boigenzahn, gallery director, at (813) 253-6217 or jboigenzahn@ut.edu.