Head Space: 2024 MFA Exhibition

Head Space explores identities and histories, contemporary issues, emotional and physical spaces using a variety of mediums and processes. The exhibition showcases the thesis work of Master of Fine Arts candidates in the Studio Art & Design MFA track at the UCF School of Visual Arts and Design: Alexander Alvarez, Matthew Dunn, Elaheh Jazemi, Njeri Kinuthia, Olivia Van Natta, and Jim Wysolmierski.

Alexander Alvarez’s artistic practice exposes the grotesque consequences of our conflicting contemporary ideologies through personal and societal suffering, in search of universal connections to showcase the need for compassion and understanding. Leveraging two decades of professional experience as an illustrator and designer, Matthew Dunn creates engaging and often irreverent images exploring family, pop-culture, religion, and politics. Elaheh Jazemi’s work protests social injustice to universalize the concept of resistance and hope for equality by raising awareness and give a voice to the voiceless people despite their huge sacrifices. Through self-portraiture, Njeri Kinuthia’s work challenges and exposes the oppressive cultural norms that seek to control and limit the identity and sexuality of women, drawing inspiration from her personal journey and upbringing in Kenya. Through a fusion of botanical imagery and surreal landscape, Olivia Van Natta’s imagined scenes consumed by plant life function as a processor for the complex experience of existence in a human body. Guided by the physical and emotional turmoil of alcoholism, Jim Wysolmierski employs the body as a corporeal and allegorical account of his lived experience using visual narratives of trepidation and transformation.

Please join us for the Opening Reception on Thursday, February 22 from 6-8 p.m.
Register here.

Additional programming and information will be shared soon. For more info about exhibition lectures and the digital catalog, visit: cah.ucf.edu/gallery/

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Exhibition dates: February 22, 2024 – March 08, 2024 | Opening Reception: Thursday, February 22 from 6-8 p.m. RSVP

Monday–Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Closed on major holidays
Admission is FREE

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The UCF Art Gallery at the University of Central Florida serves as a catalyst for visual art experiences and education, culture, and community engagement. Our mission is to encourage dialogue and engagement between students, faculty, members of the community, and artists by providing a framework for intellectual and creative inquiry. The gallery hosts exhibitions and programming that examine cultural and social contexts and support contemporary art practices.

Free parking is available in Garage F next to the Addition Financial Arena. Parking lot H4 or Garage I requires purchasing a $5 daily virtual visitor permit Purchase Here. Please note that visitors should park in green student spaces ONLY, as the $5 daily virtual permit does not cover red and blue spaces. After 5:30 p.m., daily virtual visitor permits are allowed to park in faculty, staff, unreserved, or student spaces. Visitors can register their vehicle’s license plate information into the online parking system. Purchase Here.