Era of Preparation and Desire (NIU MFA Graduate Exhibition)

Humans searching for meaning in times of crisis often ask, “what matters NOW?” That question

is especially significant for emerging artists as they consider their role in society and their

contribution to contemporary art. The nine MFA students graduating from Northern Illinois

University School of Art and Design have persevered during a global pandemic in pursuit of

their creative searches. The work featured in Era of Preparation and Desire answers, in different

ways, the question of what matters now. Addressing issues ranging from identity and perception

to social engagement, the artists highlighted in this group exhibition vary in discipline. Included

are drawings by Andrew Elsten and Christina Kang; fibre works by 5355AH DelaRue; paintings

by Larissa Barnat, Angie Redmond, and Aimee Valentine; a photograph by Amy Fleming; and

sculptures by Nate Gilchrist and Gretchen Schreiber.

Exhibition participants:

Andrew Elsten

Amy Fleming

Aimee Valentine

Nate Gilchrist

Christina Kang

Larissa Barnat

Angie Redmond

Gretchen Schreiber

5355ah DelaRue