From sculptures of a bright green teapot to a full-length graphite drawing of the contents of a fridge, this exhibit showcases the multifaceted talents and personal lives of the ODU Arts students.
The 2025 Juried Student Art Exhibition is currently featured at the Gordon Art Galleries. The exhibition, juried by Benjamin Wright, allows viewers a look into the life and psyche of the various student artists a part of this exhibit.
“On my digital wander through the many excellent student entries, I found myself drawn again and again to those works that in some way delivered insight into the lives of their makers,” said Benjamin Wright in his exhibition statement.
A large, detailed graphite drawing of a bathroom sink by Tinsley Mirabelli shows various toiletries and appliances scattered throughout the surface, giving us an inside look at what a morning for this artist might be like. Additionally, a sculpture of a bookcase filled with miniature books by Stephanie Grace features covers ranging from children’s books all the way to adult-level literature.
Each piece featured in the exhibition tells a story, whether about the artist’s life or about their viewpoints on a particular topic.
A sculpture titled, “Get Woke,” by Cloie Ali showcases the top left quarter of a face, with the emphasis being on the startled eye looking towards the ceiling as their eyelids are pulled wide by three skin hooks.
“A satirical outcry, it channels my frustration toward a nation unwilling to acknowledge the steady unraveling of democracy,” Ali said about her piece. After a 24-year career serving in the U.S. Air Force, Ali soon found her passion lying within studio art. Now a senior majoring in 3D Media and Material Studies, Ali prepares to graduate from ODU this May.
“Though I no longer wear the uniform, exhibitions offer me a new platform – one where I can express my perspectives, connect with people I might never have crossed paths with, and, perhaps, plant small seeds of change and awareness,” she said.
Along with Ali’s piece, other artists strove to make a statement.
A series by Kyani Garces showcases photographs of many different fried foods decorated to look beautiful and pleasing to the eye. The deeper meaning can be traced back to the food industry and its detrimental effects, yet appetizing appearance.
Graduating senior Justin Catahan plays into this theme with his piece, “Half Face Half Mask.” The piece consists of a graphite drawing depicting, as the name suggests, a portrait of a detailed face where half of the face is obstructed by a block-like mask.
The piece was inspired by a quote from his uncle based on a Japanese proverb, “We live by three masks: one we show to strangers, one we show to our close friends/family, and one we show ourselves.”
“You can always see a different perspective,” Catahan said, “Everyone is going through something on their own and they are showing you the side they want you to see. I want others to look at themselves and see what mask they put on more often.”
Catahan hopes that viewers of the art exhibit will view student artists in a new light, while also hoping that his fellow artists realize what a great feat it is to be featured in a gallery.
“I hope people take the show like they would a mirror; introspective. They should appreciate not only the art, but appreciate themselves. Look at how complex, fun, sad, serious, amazing, and talented they are.”
Catahan, Ali, and the rest of the artists featured in this incredible exhibit invoke thoughts on a bigger picture: who are you, and what means the most to you?
The 2025 Juried Student Exhibition will run until Apr. 5 and is free to view. Don’t miss the chance to view meaningful and stimulating artwork by ODU’s own talented student artists.
