Zara Bell thesis exhibition: 'Terminal'

SCAD presents "Terminal," an M.F.A. thesis exhibition by Zara Bell (M.F.A. painting; B.F.A., writing, 2016).  This exhibition represents a culmination of seven years of study at SCAD for the artist.

The M.F.A. degree, which is also called a terminal degree, provides the title of the exhibition. "Terminal" refers to both the end of something and a place of departure, and the exhibition considers the meanings of the word while examining common cultural constructs such as gender, identity, body image and interpersonal relationships. The large-scale installation will incorporate multiple media styles including traditional and digital prints, collage, tactile sculptures, and text, delivered in a variety of forms.

Bell’s practice involves the appropriation of images and text. The artist sources material from formative books from her childhood, books culled from thrift stores and photographs of significant experiences in her past. "Terminal" serves as a multisensory investigation of misunderstanding, meaning-making and the nebulous resolution of memory, action and desire that fuel the artist’s practice.

Bell grew up in Taos, New Mexico. She has worked as a personal trainer, massage therapist, freelance writer and jewelry designer, and was an award-winning competitive bodybuilder. Her multimedia work explores identity, corporeality and relational dynamics, combining appropriated imagery and graphic textuality. 

Reception: Friday, June 21, 6–8 p.m.

The exhibition and reception are free and open to the public.