"Departing Figures" and “Open Swim” showcases work of graduating art students at Jacob Lawrence Gallery

As the academic year comes to a close, the Jacob Lawrence Gallery is celebrating the work of the 2024 graduating class in the art programs with the "Departing Figures: B.A. in Art Graduation Exhibition" and "Open Swim: B.A. in Art Honors Graduation Exhibition."

This year's showcase features students from 3D4M: ceramics, glass, and sculpture; Interdisciplinary Visual Arts; Painting + Drawing; and Photo/Media. In each of the three group exhibitions, students collaborated closely with the gallery's curatorial and installation team to present their final senior capstones.

The first group exhibition featured an installation by Jingxi Xie, an international student from Shenzhen, China. Inspired by his cultural heritage and personal experiences, his work focuses on death and the afterlife, as represented in Asian cultures, particularly Japanese traditions.

"My whole inspiration is from the perception of death in East Asian cultures,” Xie said. “Sometimes, I think about ‘what if I become a ghost?’"

Xie's installation showcased symbolic elements like the Torii gate, representing the transition and passage into another realm, along with hanging papers inspired by Asian funeral traditions, inviting viewers to reflect on the spiritual and emotional aspects of death and rebirth.

Another student artist from the second group in the exhibition, Brenda Palma, shared her journey preparing for the exhibition.

"It was a very smooth process,” Palma said. “The gallery's curatorial and installation team was very clear on instructions and how to prepare for the show. It felt professional — like I was an artist, not just a student."

Palma's installation, "jardín” (2024) created with photos and video projected onto polycotton, is inspired by her Mexican American heritage and personal memories. Her work explores themes of surrealism, identity, and culture.

"Everyone can do art, but if you want to do it professionally, you need some emotional support,” Palma said. “My professors supported me a lot. They also taught me a lot of ways to do art, not just painting or photography.”

The "Open Swim: B.A. in Art Honors Graduation Exhibition" will run from May 21 to May 31 at the Jacob Lawrence Gallery.