Maine College of Art’s 2018 Thesis Exhibition highlights the next generation of contemporary artists

After two years of rigorous study and practice, seven Maine College of Art (MECA) graduate students will show their work at the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) in the 2018 MFA Thesis Exhibition. Featuring video projects, sculpture, performance, photography, and installations, the MFA thesis exhibition gives graduating MFA students in studio art the opportunity to explore a range of concepts and materials, and refine their approach to contemporary art. Participating artists include Emile Boisvert, Angela Casagrande, Kylie Ford, Jacq Hunter, Jessalyn Levesque, Rand Renfrow, and Golaleh Yazdani, all of whose artworks emphasize “the overlooked and the exceptional,” according to Chris Stiegler, chair of the MFA in studio art at MECA.

“The emergent nature of what is shown during this exhibition highlights the cutting-edge position the ICA holds within our community,” says Stiegler. “This symbiotic relationship offers us all new ideas and new forms in a place structured for thoughtful examination.”

MECA’s 2018 MFA Thesis Exhibition runs from May 11 to June 8 at the ICA in Portland, with an opening reception on May 11 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. On the following pages, Maine Home+Design provides a preview of the exhibition.