In a culmination of everything they’ve learned in their time at the university, senior photography and graphic and interactive design students in the class of 2026 showcased their final projects at Artists Image Resource in the North Side on April 15.
Four photography students displayed their pieces in the exhibit “Everlasting Fragments,” while four graphic design students presented their work in an exhibit titled “Miscellanea.” Both had their own space, with photography projects on the first level and graphic design pieces a quick walk upstairs in the North Side art studio.
Each project varied vastly, down to the materials a photo or design was printed on to what the subject matter was. Students in the photography program conceptualize their thesis project for most of the academic year in two classes, thinking about a topic and how to create work that showcases their artistic flair and provides something unique to look at.
Every photography project had more elements than just pictures to look at. For instance, Danny Herz’s work, “Thinking of the Devil,” included three large prints, a collage and protest signs visitors could take. The signs themselves were collages made out of other protest images superimposed onto various pictures of people holding signs. His work is a critique on the American Dream and how it is nearly impossible to achieve.
“The belief that all individuals in the U.S. can achieve prosperity, upward mobility and a better life through hard work and determination no longer exists,” Herz said. “The current status of the government, economy and global affairs requires a new form of action to achieve a more personal dream.”
He also explained that the self-portraits, titled “The Clown is Laughing,” include pictures of himself dressed in presidential attire with a red clown nose on his face and a bright yellow wig. Herz said they are meant to give himself a voice. The self-portraits and collage are printed on archival inkjet print, while the protest collages are inkjet prints affixed to a wooden post, much like a typical protest sign.
Alexandra Jordan’s work, “What Remains When We Forget,” was one of the most experimental projects out of the bunch.
The piece incorporated a chair and a table with a custom-made cyanotype cushion and tablecloth, along with a lamp with a shade made out of film slides.
Jordan’s work also included pictures affixed to pieces of wood and two clocks, both with custom artwork inside. Her piece was a critique on the treatment of nature in the modern day.
“Mother nature is often an unseen force that affects us on a daily basis,” Jordan said. “Why did we stop paying attention to it, let it slowly fall apart to the point it is screaming at us to help her?”
She said the lamp of slides shows how much waste a person can create. It also shows what nature used to look like — every film slide was a few decades old.
As for the graphic and interactive design exhibit, students showcased designs they made for various projects and businesses, such as political campaign fliers, shipping boxes for businesses and a redesign of Cherries Diner’s menu. Each student had their own versions of an assigned objective, such as making an absurd design or a book cover.
Multiple students also showcased works they did for various campus clubs. Liv Curti, who is also SGA’s graphic design coordinator, displayed her creations for both the Student Accounting Association (SAA) and SGA, with a simple golf course design for an SAA golf outing and a Minecraft-inspired flyer to try to get people to join SGA.
Dakota Nicholson, who is also the advertising coordinator for CAB, showcased several designs they made for the activity board, such as event fliers. She also printed a magazine, a care instruction tag for clothing and a shirt for the It’s On Us organization as part of their display.
Several students also sold works and items during the show, such as prints and clothing. Each student with work on display was present at both exhibitions.
