On the 28th of April 2008 the White Box is pleased to present Chimaera at the Annex. This is the MFA thesis exhibition of the Montclair State University Graduate class of 2008. It explores a wide range of approaches and concepts, from paintings to larger than life sculptures and digital media. The nine artists in this tight knit group have worked side by side for the past two years and have come together to complete their MFA experience this spring in Chelsea.

The chimaera was a mythical creature composed of multiple animals. Originating in the narratives told by the ancient Greeks, the chimaera has reappeared throughout history in various guises, as a fearsome beast, a genetic or biological phenomenon and as a metaphor for the imagination. It is in the last sense that it is used here to underscore the aspirations of these emerging artists. Drawing on both private sources of inspiration and pervasive elements of popular culture, art history, and social thought, they tap into the myriad media available today. In the process they awaken the chimaera within them and claim the creative freedom that is its special attribute.

Artists include: Jamie Allen, Jon Baretz, Scott Beil, Tracie Fracasso, Connor Goodman, Linda Bee Koenemund, Pierre McGuffie, Owen Oertling, and Suzanne Russo. A CD catalogue of the exhibition is available. Currently, Eleanor Heartney is the visiting critic for Montclair State University. She is an independent cultural critic and author residing in New York City. She is also the contributing editor for Art in America and Artpress and has written for publications such as Art News, New Art Examiner, the Washington Post, Sculpture, and the New York Times.