JUROR'S STATEMENT | 46TH ANNUAL JURIED UW STUDENT EXHIBITION

Meredith Lynn, Guest Juror

Assistant Curator and Director of Galleries, Florida State University Museum of Fine Arts

February 2021

 

The process of finding meaning in difficult, seemingly random times is often the duty of the artist. While the diversity of work submitted for this exhibition speaks to the wealth of opportunities and inspirations at the University of Wyoming, the elements that tie these works together struck me as I considered each piece.

So many students are grappling with the crises of our time: the pandemic, financial insecurity, and systemic inequalities. While the challenges of being a young artist in a moment of great uncertainty are clear in the work, so too is the resilience, humor, and creativity of these students.

The pieces selected for this show were made by emerging scholars from across departments, fields, and levels of experience. Students studying molecular biology or law are included among those focusing full time on visual art, and the range of perspectives only highlights the universality of many of the themes.

How do we make sense of a chaotic present? Can we shape a changeable future? These are huge, worthy questions, and engaging them can constitute a life’s work. It is exciting to see the students of the University of Wyoming confront these conversations head on, and I look forward to seeing the answers they will arrive at as they continue on their paths.