High up on the fifth floor of Parsons 25 East Gallery, an array of commanding artworks was on display. Lining the walls, unconventional pieces evoked feelings of nostalgia and wonder. The exhibit, created by the Parsons School of Design Crit Club members, featured a distinct collection contributing to an overarching theme of “presence.”

On Friday, Nov. 22, the gallery hosted a reception for the student exhibition. The event was orchestrated and run by the Parsons Crit Club: a student initiative that fosters community and collaboration among artists. The gallery ran from Nov. 21 to 22, and marked the club’s first-ever group show, serving as a testament to their creative efforts.

The theme of “presence” was defined in the exhibit as “an entity occupying space and making itself known.” Participating artists invited viewers to interpret the concept through each of their pieces. While reflecting on their own experiences, the artists explored the idea of leaving a lasting mark on one’s environment through their works. Whether personal or external, each piece embodied this notion in striking ways. 

Upon entering the gallery, visitors were greeted by a captivating arrangement of sculptures and paintings. From digital pieces to traditional paintings, the exhibit’s diversity was evident in its variety of mediums and unique designs. The art played with color, form, and perspective, drawing viewers into worlds of vivid realism.

One particularly arresting piece was Bingo, an acrylic painting by third-year Fine Arts student, Ella Wingate. The painting depicts an upside-down green face with soulful blue eyes and sharp red lips, staring directly at the viewer. The intense lime green dominates the canvas, but the contrast of the blue eyes and red lips creates a striking visual focal point. The piece plays with depth and perspective, drawing the viewer’s gaze to the long, expressive eyelashes that mimic a reflective surface, making it feel as though the viewer themselves are being mirrored.

Another work, The Pureness of Her Soul by third-year Fine Arts student Lindsey Goldberg, presented a compelling scene filled with symbolism. In the oil painting, a woman tightly holds a small sheep, while a red bird and owl perch on either side. The dark blue backdrop contrasts with the glowing yellow light around the figure, emphasizing the concept of purity. The image is enhanced by the floating half-apple and surrounding text, inviting viewers to reflect on themes of innocence, emotion, and symbolism. 

Crit Club students involved in orchestrating the project, Parsons junior artists Indigo Lee and Joseph Levay, spoke on their reflections and future wishes for the Fine Arts program, noticing feelings of disconnection within the program, and noting how many artists often work more individually.

“It really means a lot for us to be able to have an opportunity to show our work to the public, and be able to collaborate more with our peers. I think it’s also a great way to build community,” Lee said.

Lee stressed the importance of fostering a community and promoting the future of student artists. By sharing artworks and ideas, they are exposed to new inspirations and alternative perspectives. Exhibitions can also act as networking opportunities for artists just starting out. Lee also shared her reasoning behind the theme of the show, “presence.”

“I just thought it would be good because it encapsulates a lot of different ranges of artworks,” she said. “A lot of exhibitions require you to use art that fits the theme, but we wanted to go with one that would be inviting to people and be able to show their works in progress so that they wouldn’t feel super pressured to show here.” 

Levay also offered an optimistic message to student artists. “Hopefully anybody who’s walking through the gallery recognizes that we are also part of the theme, we are a presence in this school. Everybody can feel that there are opportunities that we can make for ourselves as artists,” he concluded.

Maria Alejandra, another third-year Fine Arts student and member of the Parson’s Crit Club, worked with peers to organize the event. “We started because a lot of us as juniors were voicing a disconnection with each other and a dissatisfaction with not having that many opportunities to present work and share a space,” she said. 

“A lot of this work is not specifically from this semester. The Crit Club is creating the excuse for people to actually present this work together to a larger public. This is for all the juniors to see and for everyone else, like a larger audience, to be able to present that,” she added.

Gigi Gioanelli, a third-year Fine Arts student, fully embraced the creative freedom afforded by the space with her gravity-defying sculpture, Mimosa Pudica. Made entirely from raw sheep wool, plywood, beeswax, and metal, the 11-foot-tall piece is truly a sight to behold, balanced on two legs yet seemingly suspended in mid-air. The sculpture features a strikingly realistic face, adding a deeply human element to the otherwise abstract form. The work explores a deeply personal theme: the deceptive nature of thoughts that shape negative perceptions. Gioanelli’s work suggests that letting go of these misguided beliefs can foster personal growth and liberate one from the weight of negative thoughts.

For Sebastian Guerrero, a fourth-year Fine Arts student, attending the show was a nostalgic experience. He came to support his friends, highlighting the importance of fostering community.

“I think it empowers them. I feel like this is a party. Everyone, friends, and family, coming to celebrate each other’s work,” he said. “And what better time than before senior year? That is when you should be most confident about what you do.” 

For Guerrero, the show provided an opportunity to showcase work in a professional space, helping prepare artists for the world ahead. Many of the featured artists were close friends, and by offering his support, he was also helping to further their careers. 

The exhibit highlighted the distinct creativity of talented student artists. Art is an expressive medium, and the community built through collaboration and mutual support is integral to the creative process. The Fine Arts Juniors Group Exhibit provided a thoughtful and immersive show, proving the lasting “presence” of artists.