Artists: Jane Corrigan Jeff Eaton Nathan Margoni Karen Ruenitz Leah Tacha Chris Vesper

Gimme Gimme: MFA Graduation Exhibition 2009 School of Art+Design School of the Arts Purchase College, State University of New York

Gimme Gimme, an exhibition at Smith-Stewart Gallery in New York City presents the work of six School of Art+Design Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree candidates. Embracing methods of collage, appropriation, representation and abstraction, the works of these emerging artists are comprised of precious objects or common materials that warrant close reading, slow digestion and in some cases, raucous play.

The Purchase College MFA in Visual Arts (co-directed by Nancy Bowen and Kate Gilmore) is noted for its interdisciplinary nature, which is exemplified in this exhibition by the variety of media used, including (but not limited to) drawing, painting, sculpture, and photography.

Leah Tacha’s pieces reflect a predilection for high key color, whimsy and glitter. Others such as Nathan Margoni, incorporate notions of the grotesque. Karen Ruenitz whose background is in fashion design, presents large scale wall assemblages of figural silhouettes. Memories of home and identity are explored by Jeff Eaton, while Chris Vesper mines issues of hope and disillusionment, and Jane Corrigan produces small scale, intimate paintings that are fragments of personal imagery.

Artists: Jeff Eaton | Jane Corrigan | Chris Vesper | Leah Tacha | Karen Ruenitz | Nathan Margoni