Syracuse Sun

The College of Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) has unveiled their latest exhibition titled “Unsettled, Unbridled, Unbound,” showcasing the diverse and innovative work of 38 artists completing their master of fine arts degree. According to curator Juliana Fagua Arias, the exhibition explores the artists' responses to the socio-political moment, with an underlying theme of unsettlement serving as a common source of inspiration.

Arias, a Ph.D. candidate at Cornell University, describes the exhibition as a platform for emerging artists to grapple with complex ideas and emotions. She notes that despite the varied reflections and projects, there is a shared sense of unsettlement that fuels creative expression. The exhibition spans a range of disciplines including painting, sculpture, ceramics, photography, and performance, offering a glimpse into the artists' diverse practices and approaches.

The themes explored by the artists in this year's exhibition are wide-ranging, touching on disruptions of archival histories and explorations of intersectional identity. Arias explains that the artists draw inspiration from diverse sources such as family history, political turmoil, and environmental challenges, channeling internal unease into a force for creative resistance.

Arias further highlights the interdisciplinary nature of the artists' work, noting that they are pushing boundaries through exploratory creative processes. She describes this exploration as a graceful liberation, allowing for an embrace of freedom amidst complex ideas and emotions.

The exhibition will take place at the Nancy Cantor Warehouse galleries in Syracuse, with opening receptions scheduled for April 5 and April 19. Visitors will have the opportunity to engage with the artists, learn about their inspiration, and immerse themselves in the vibrant arts community of Syracuse. The exhibition aims to provide a space for artists to reveal their unbound selves and celebrate artistic expression.

Following its run in Syracuse, the cohort will showcase additional works at Novado Gallery in Jersey City, New Jersey, from April 26 to May 4. An opening reception is scheduled for April 26, offering another opportunity for art enthusiasts to connect with the artists and their creations.

"Unsettled, Unbridled, Unbound" is open to the public free of charge, with gallery hours from noon to 5 p.m. daily. For more information about the exhibition, interested individuals can contact Kate Warren at kwarre01@syr.edu.