MFA Thesis Exhibitions, Class of 2022, Part 2

The Department of Art at the University of California, Irvine is pleased to present the solo exhibitions of MFA candidates Katherine Aungier, Andy Bennett, Tarik Garrett, Rahel Levine, Margaret Oakley. This is the second round of 2022 MFA thesis exhibitions.

Please join us for the opening reception on Saturday, May 15th from 2–5pm.
 

Katherine Aungier

Kathrine Aungier draws upon elements of experimental documentary, performance, avant-garde cinema and painting.  Noted dramatist Jerzy Grotowskim erected a Yurt at UCI in 1983, which is be a key figure and personage in this exhibition. Ideas around authorship, investigations of the public stage and exploration of embodiment, especially in relation to models set forth in the field of Drama, are key elements informing Aungier’s work.

Andy Bennett 

“People can love objects, but they love them to a certain degree. More or less for practical purposes. That’s why they don’t see the soul of the object. Whereas when you truly, truly, are interested in an object, and you’re willing to bear your soul, then you see theirs.” —Erika Eiffel

Tarik Garrett

Discarded everyday objects and audio works explore the trauma of loss and melancholic attachments accumulated through struggles with emancipatory aspirations. The collection of works and supplementary material use the formation of the Estates General in 1789 and the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 as signposts to an aspirational era that has passed. Seeking to reimagine what is possible alongside a seemingly hopeless vision of our world, a dialectical pessimism emerges to critique teleological notions of progress and reveal the fractured nature of reality.

Rahel Levine
I’m ok. I’m thinking a lot about being a worm in a dog’s rectum or living in an imaginary Echo Park maybe in the 80s or 90s? but neither of those seem like viable options. I’m sorry I have not been in touch.  I don’t know if you want me, or anyone does. Do you know if there are many worm positions open in Texas? Basically, anywhere that is not here on a Saturday night would be good. 


Margaret Oakley

Margaret Oakley’s work is driven by feeling into hydro-systemic entanglements for an expression of extensive connectedness. Her practice is a re-evaluation of ecological values, with cosmological aspirations. She is now convinced all the world is a fountain and people are merely transports for water.

 

Artist: 
Katherine Aungier
Andy Bennett
Tarik Garrett
Rahel Levine
Margaret Oakley
Venue: 
Contemporary Arts Center Gallery
Room Gallery
University Art Gallery
Exhibition Dates: 
May 14, 2022 to May 28, 2022
Reception: 
Saturday, May 14, 2022 - 2:00pm to 5:00pm