April 28, 2018
St. John’s University students showcased their painted canvases, posters, and photography at the annual Department of Art and Design 2018 Senior Exhibition held at Dorsky Gallery Curatorial Programs (DGCP) in Long Island City, NY, on April 21.
The students were all members of the Senior Design and Thesis Seminar class. Each piece of artwork incorporated the theme “In Search Of,” which called for students to investigate the potential of using visual arts as a navigational tool to explore emotional and psychological energy within society. Students created projects in various genres including photography, installation, fashion, video, illustration, and painting.
Members of The Loughlin and McCallen Societies, alumni, friends, and students gathered for a reception organized by both societies at Skinny’s Cantina before the exhibition. McCallen Society member Robert Evangelista ’63CBA, ’70MBA has attended several student art exhibitions.
“I am really enthusiastic about seeing classical and new art,” Mr. Evangelista said. “I want to see what students are doing now.”
Student Julien Tucker is a fashion designer and photographer. He created a display based on his brand, Henko, which included outfits from its third Fall/Winter 2017 collection “Glock-Busters,” 3-D toys and games, posters, and a precollection look book co-designed by co-founder Angelo Riley.
“It is great to be at DGCP,” Julien said. “I have never had this experience before, and I am just taking it all in, one day at a time.”
Belenna Lauto ’81C, Department Chair, announced that Julien is the only student in the United States to win the international LUMA Foundation International Fashion Photography Award which is supported by Christian Dior.
“I still can’t believe it,” Julien said. “I am excited to go to France and shoot photographs and work for Dior.”
“This group has come such a long way,” Prof. Lauto said. “Many of the seniors have amazing internships, and some have already been offered jobs. We are really excited about their work.”
This was the eighth year the University has collaborated with DGCP. Paul Fabozzi, Professor of Fine Arts, is thankful the nonprofit organization continues to provide students with a space to share their projects with the community. “We decided we needed a venue that was a bridge to the world outside of the University,” Prof. Fabozzi said. “Students in their senior year can start to imagine how their projects will lead them into the future.”
DGCP has established mentorship programs to students in addition to offering the museum for the exhibition. “They have been fabulous to work with, and it is a beautiful, museum-quality space that our kids tackled with style,” he said.