In a new capstone exhibit, graduating art students seek to highlight the quintessential nature of humanity by making posters that showcase human kindness, potential, creative expression and the idea of making the world a better place.
Held in the Jack Olson Gallery of Jack Arends Hall, the show, “Great Ideas of Humanity,” takes its name and theme from a Design Museum of Chicago exhibit, which in turn was based on an ad campaign from the Container Corporation of America that ran from 1950 until 1975 and focused on philosophy, mortality and politics.
For many of the artists involved, the posters represent a chance to highlight their life experiences and what brings them joy.
Jacob Goodman, a BSA student, enjoys sharing his hobbies and skills with his artwork and being able to express himself.
“They (the posters) show off who I am. They show off bits of my personality, … my humor, it shows my interest, shows who I am as an artist,” Goodman said. “Words can be difficult sometimes, so it gives a nice outlet to, like, say the feelings that are, like, too complicated for words.”
For other artists, the exhibit is a way to connect to their past.
For art student Bryanna Mendel, it was a nostalgic experience, with lots of pink posters representing herself and her cat, Strawberry.
“I think it connects to girlhood,” Mendel said. “It connects to my inner child.”
Mendel also mentioned that her work highlights the theme of the gallery by spreading joy, childhood wonder and brightness.
Another student artist, Isabella Zygowicz, showcased the theme by highlighting ideas of life, death and spirituality.
This is shown in one of her large painted posters of fuzzy white moths eating pomegranates.
“I see things and I guess I just want people to ponder life and death through the beauty of it within nature,” Zygowicz said.
Zygowicz also mentioned that her work is inspired by Greek mythology, the Garden of Eden and spirituality.
Overall posters featured a wide array of styles including both digital designs and hand-made posters.
Each poster was set up salon-style on the opposing side of the gallery entrance and has artwork going all along the walls.
There’s also one video display and a sculpture of a foot coming out of a metal flower that really helps to set the scene of the gallery.
The Jack Olson Gallery is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m Monday through Thursday and admission is free and open to all.
