April 26 - Saturday, May 4, 2024.

Novado Gallery is pleased to partner with Syracuse University’s College of Visual and Performing Arts in presenting their class of 2024 MFA exhibition.

This tour de force exhibition presents works by over 30 national and international graduate students in their final year of study.

Works in this exhibition include film, art video, photography, painting, ceramics, performance, sculpture and installation.

Opening reception is Friday, April 26, from 7-9pm.

Updated 04/21/24: Please note that there will not be a separate film screening on Saturday.

Curatorial Statement:

“Requisite Acts," serves as the final student exhibition of Syracuse University's Master Of Fine Art programs, featuring works by thirty-two students, including graduate degree programs in Film, Painting, Photography, Sculpture, Ceramics and Interdisciplinary Practice. This show, held at Novado Gallery, is the culmination of three years of intensive study by these national and international graduate students.

  Driven by the creator life-force of their artistic practice, these students demonstrate intelligence and sensitivity through their chosen art form to elicit awe, share deeply personal experiences, consider beauty, confront injustice, question value systems, and engage with humor and curiosity. Through the authenticity of the individual voice, the works in this exhibition transcend artificial constructs, reminding us that we have much in common with each other, and shared or similar experiences through the human condition.

 While the creation and experience of art are processes that go beyond rational thought, they invite us into an inexplicable but meaningful dialogue through visual language and metaphor. This exhibition is vast, it contains moments of peace and also jarring contrasts, including works with varying degrees of clarity and ambiguity. The power of art lies in its ability to reflect the complexities of the human experience in ways that words often cannot.

   It is a requisite act as gallery director, to invite visitors to slow down and approach exhibitions with a sense of receptivity and wonder. This unintentional act of resistance is crucial in a world where the narrative of importance is dictated, stifling individual voices that dare to challenge or question. How many times have we slowed down, focused on being more present and rediscovered something that resonated in an unexpected way? Creativity is unpredictable by nature. It helps to solve problems, and a show such as Requisite Acts, is case in point via individuals solving problems through creativity that brings about more ideas.

  In an open-conclusion, as they venture back into the world after graduation, these students will persist in sparking meaningful conversations through their practice. I encourage them to find ways to share their creativity and ideas beyond the academic bubble, where society at large will benefit from their gifts by influencing the evolving landscape through cultural exchange. It is requisite for a thriving society to recognize and support the vital role of these emerging artists in its ongoing development and progression. Go beyond preaching to the crowd, as more than ever, there's a whole world that needs your humanity.

-Anne Novado

Please note some content in the exhibition, "Requisite Acts" may be challenging for some individuals. The intention is not to offend, rather it is to include works dealing with complex topics and issues. Some content may not be suitable for young children.