MFA Photography Thesis Exhibition on View Now
Anything Can Be a Hammer is the culmination of two years of intensive studio practice and includes the work of Alejandro Aguirre, Billy Chen, Mercedes Fernandez, Lu Gao, Guy Grabowsky, Kelly Han, Luigi Iagulli, Lang Lang, Yu Han Pan, Zhiyun Qin, Alanna Reid, Jonah Siegel, Emma Sobel, Alvin Ukpeh, Ching-Wei Wang, and Keke Yang.
Currently on view, the exhibition runs from August 19 – September 19, 2024 in the Anna-Maria and Stephen Kellen Gallery and Arnold and Sheila Aronson Galleries.
“This exhibition is the culmination of two and half years of intense exploration and experimentation, where each student has redefined the boundaries of photography in their own unique way. The exhibition not only reflects their hard work and innovative thinking but also serves to remind us of the endless possibilities within the medium. We’re excited to present a show that reflects the innovation and dedication of these emerging artists.” – James Ramer, MFA Photography Program Director
The most basic way to demonstrate Anything Can Be a Hammer is by replacing the word “hammer” with “photo.” This concept is exemplified in the show by a truly wide-reaching collection of formal expressions of photography—sometimes sculptural, sometimes printed, sometimes spoken. If the photo itself is being stretched formally, then our linguistic presentation of it should be stretched as well.
The photo, in essence, becomes the tool by which this viscous visual language is constructed. This exploration challenges conventional boundaries, inviting viewers to reconsider the traditional role of photography. By transforming the photo into a versatile object, the exhibition pushes the limits of creativity, emphasizing that the essence of photography lies not just in capturing moments, but in its capacity to be reimagined and repurposed.
The diverse array of works on display serves as a testament to the limitless possibilities within the photographic arts, encouraging a dynamic dialogue between the image, the artist, and the observer.
