On Thursday, this semester’s graduating class of 21 fine arts majors will host the reception for its week-long thesis presentation, entitled “Convergence.”
The show will be presented in both the McComas Hall Art Gallery and the College of Architecture, Art and Design’s Visual Arts Center. The show is free of cost and open to all.
The show will include works from a variety of artistic concentrations, including photography, painting, sculpture, ceramics, printmaking and drawing. Participating students have put years of work into these thesis presentations, which represent a culmination of artistic accomplishments and personal explorations.
Brent Funderburk, art professor and thesis coordinator, said the title “Convergence” represents the individual force of each student as well as the group’s collaborative dynamic.
“‘Convergence’ is not just a poetic title to their show — as individual artists and as a team; these senior vanguards see themselves as flowing, with momentum, toward a challenging world with strong intention, an arsenal of 21st century tools and skills and visionary solutions,” he said.
The challenge of a thesis show comes in keeping the pieces as unique creations while constructing a well-tuned show featuring a common thread. In “Convergence,” emotions run wildly and deeply, in works both highly detailed and keenly affecting.
For this group of students, the show represents not only sentiment but also a year of diligent work. These students have completed the required course work in their highly demanding fields of study and have spent the past year in preparation for their thesis presentation. Not only have they dedicated countless hours to refining their writing and presentation skills, but they also have met with faculty, formed teams of student officers to plan every aspect of the show and, finally, finished portfolios.
A portfolio, arguably the most intimidating word used in the artistic world, consists of an archival of a student’s work. For fine arts students, a portfolio also includes a personal website, a digital lecture presentation, a published book and other professional materials.
As thesis coordinator, Funderburk prepares the students for this critical production. While helping the students develop portfolio materials and planning their presentation processes, Funderburk has been able to get to know the students and gain new respect for their talent, motivation and creativity. Currently entering his 30th year with the art department, Funderburk remarked at the achievements of this group of students and their inspiring determination.
“I’ve never seen such intensity of purpose, such diversity of expression in a senior group. It is a serious world out there; this is a serious herd of seniors,” he said.
Their ability and artistry are attributable to the notable prowess of the Mississippi State University Department of Art. The department consistently receives national recognition for faculty and student work and also continues to grow.
Funderburk notes the distinction he feels in working with his colleagues and students.
“I am honored to work with incredible faculty colleagues; they raise the already high standard daily. This is why our program is the largest and most noted in Mississippi and beyond,” he said.
This semester’s group of fine arts majors illustrate a vivacity of spirit and impassioned levels of innovation, originality and resourcefulness. The pieces on display go beyond expected levels of artistic ingenuity. The students experiment in both new forms of tools and mediums.
Wildly creative and fiercely ambitious, the Bachelor’s of Fine Arts students aim not to disappoint with their presented works in “Convergence.”
The reception will be from 5:30 to 8 p.m., beginning at 5:30 p.m. in the McComas Hall location and continuing at the CAAD Visual Arts Center at 6:45 p.m. Refreshments will be served. The students’ work will be on display for the week of Nov. 8 through Nov. 15, and the MSU art galleries are open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, Monday through Friday. 

Gallery • 1 Photos

Kathleen O’Hear with her series entitled “Remnants.”