William H. Kelly III
Associate Editor
As Jackson State University prepares to salute graduating seniors, the Department of Art recognized the department’s graduating seniors in a senior art show: “Things on the Wall.” The opening reception for the art show was held in the Dollye M.E. Robinson Liberal Arts Gallery on April 7 from 4 -7 p.m.
The room was packed to full capacity as guests grabbed refreshments and gazed upon the variety of art showcased, which included paintings, sculptures, photography, graphic design, and video art.
Christopher Chapman, a senior mass communication major with a minor in graphic design was one of the artists who had his photography displayed.
“My art is nude; I would classify it as nude afro-centrism because I’m trying to portray how African-American females in general should appreciate their bodies. I also used light adjustments to manipulate shadows and light,” said Chapman.
Chapman received an offer from someone who was interested in purchasing his photography.
“I would personally say that it’s exciting because it’s like your hard work sometimes goes unnoticed and this time it didn’t go unnoticed, so it’s gratifying to know someone saw your work and appreciated it,” said Chapman.
Interim Chair and Associate Professor Jimmy Mumford welcomed guests and gave a brief overview of what was displayed.
“I wanted to gather all the seniors, first and foremost, so I can thank everyone for coming out and supporting the senior show. All of the graduating seniors who are here will be graduating April 23, of course some will be graduating in December,” said Mumford.
Mumford continued, “This is the largest class that we have ever had, of course going back to the fall semester, if I remember correctly, in the whole academic year, we have graduated 20 art majors, which is the most we have ever graduated in the Department of Art.”
Anetra Yearwood, a senior graphic design major from Landover, Md., had a variety of art on display.
“Today I have a wall full of t-shirts that I have designed over the four years that I’ve been here at Jackson State. I also have a mirror with two portraits of myself, a toy package that I redesigned, some photographs and graphic design pieces, as well as some paintings and drawings from my freshman year,” said Yearwood. “I have made t-shirt designs for MADDRAMA Performance Troupe, Dance Ensemble, Jackson State University’s Blue Ambassadors, and I’ve also made shirts for Residence Life. I made my own design for ‘Blacker the college sweeter the knowledge’ on sweatshirts that I have sold.”
Yearwood added, “It feels good to be acknowledged and appreciated, especially because a lot of people didn’t know that a lot of these shirts that they have been wearing, I designed, so it makes me feel good about myself.”
The “Things on the Wall” senior art show will close on April 30, and is located in room 108 of the College of Liberal Arts building. The gallery is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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