Megan Coonelly, #HailMary (detail), acrylic and gold leaf on canvas, 2016.
2017 MFA Biennial
January 14 – February 12, 2017
The 2017 MFA Biennial presents the work of seventeen students currently enrolled in the School of Art’s Master’s of Fine Arts program at Illinois State University. These artists are at various points in the three-year program that is dedicated to helping them “develop a mature body of work by exploring the relationship between active studio practice and rigorous intellectual inquiry.” Their artwork dynamically engages the mediums of painting, drawing, photography, printmaking, glass, ceramics, sound installation, sculpture, and performance.
This is the second MFA Biennial to be held at University Galleries’ new space at Uptown Station, providing the local community an excellent opportunity to experience the diverse and fresh talents of the MFA students in the vibrant center of the Town of Normal.
2017 MFA Biennial
Jeremy Langston, 22 paintings from the Pour Baby series, 2016. Acrylic on canvases. Installation view of the 2017 MFA Biennial . This show was on view at University Galleries of Illinois State University from January 14 through February 12, 2017
2017 MFA Biennial
Jeremy Langston, 22 paintings from the Pour Baby series, 2016. Acrylic on canvases. Installation view of the 2017 MFA Biennial . This show was on view at University Galleries of Illinois State University from January 14 through February 12, 2017
2017 MFA Biennial
Jeremy Langston, 22 paintings from the Pour Baby series (detail), 2016. Acrylic on canvases. Installation view of the 2017 MFA Biennial . This show was on view at University Galleries of Illinois State University from January 14 through February 12, 2017
2017 MFA Biennial
Installation view of the 2017 MFA Biennial . This show was on view at University Galleries of Illinois State University from January 14 through February 12, 2017
2017 MFA Biennial
Left to right: Rebecca Frank, Undulations (1), 2016. Ink on paper. Undulations (2), 2016. Watercolor and ink on paper. Slit, 2016. Ink on paper. Pony, 2016. Watercolor on paper. Shroud, 2016. Watercolor on paper. Installation view of the 2017 MFA Biennial . This show was on view at University Galleries of Illinois State University from January 14 through February 12, 2017
2017 MFA Biennial
Left: Rebecca Frank, Pony, 2016. Watercolor on paper. Right: Rebecca Frank, Shroud 2016. Watercolor on paper. Installation view of the 2017 MFA Biennial . This show was on view at University Galleries of Illinois State University from January 14 through February 12, 2017
2017 MFA Biennial
Installation view of the 2017 MFA Biennial . This show was on view at University Galleries of Illinois State University from January 14 through February 12, 2017
2017 MFA Biennial
Left: Megan Coonelly, JesusJesus, 2016. Acrylic an gold leaf on canvas. Right: Megan Coonelly #HailMary, 2016. Acrylic and gold leaf on canvas. Installation view of the 2017 MFA Biennial . This show was on view at University Galleries of Illinois State University from January 14 through February 12, 2017
2017 MFA Biennial
Left: Megan Coonelly, JesusJesus, 2016. Acrylic an gold leaf on canvas. Right: Megan Coonelly #HailMary, 2016. Acrylic and gold leaf on canvas. Installation view of the 2017 MFA Biennial . This show was on view at University Galleries of Illinois State University from January 14 through February 12, 2017
2017 MFA Biennial
Megan Coonelly #HailMary (detail), 2016. Acrylic and gold leaf on canvas. Installation view of the 2017 MFA Biennial . This show was on view at University Galleries of Illinois State University from January 14 through February 12, 2017
2017 MFA Biennial
Barrymore A. Moton, Void of sanctuary, 2016. Wood and recycled paper. Installation view of the 2017 MFA Biennial . This show was on view at University Galleries of Illinois State University from January 14 through February 12, 2017
2017 MFA Biennial
Installation view of the 2017 MFA Biennial . This show was on view at University Galleries of Illinois State University from January 14 through February 12, 2017
2017 MFA Biennial
Pedestal, left to right: Mariko Brown Harkin Meditation Jar, 2016. Terra cotta, glaze, slip, and decals. Atmospheric Orb, 2016. Terra cotta and glaze. Double lidded Jar, 2016. Terra cotta, glaze, slip, and decals. Installation view of the 2017 MFA Biennial . This show was on view at University Galleries of Illinois State University from January 14 through February 12, 2017
2017 MFA Biennial
Left to right: Micah Zavacky, 2016. Root Rot I Etching. Potted Zinnias II, 2016. Etching. Potted Zinnias III, 2016. Etching. Potted Zinnias IV, 2016. Etching. Installation view of the 2017 MFA Biennial . This show was on view at University Galleries of Illinois State University from January 14 through February 12, 2017
2017 MFA Biennial
Left: Micah Zavacky, Potted Zinnias III, 2016. Etching. Right: Micah Zavacky, Potted Zinnias IV, 2016. Etching. Installation view of the 2017 MFA Biennial . This show was on view at University Galleries of Illinois State University from January 14 through February 12, 2017
2017 MFA Biennial
Installation view of the 2017 MFA Biennial . This show was on view at University Galleries of Illinois State University from January 14 through February 12, 2017
2017 MFA Biennial
Installation view of the 2017 MFA Biennial . This show was on view at University Galleries of Illinois State University from January 14 through February 12, 2017
2017 MFA Biennial
Left to right: Molly Markow, Toppled Geographies, 2016. Mixed media. Untitled, 2016. Mixed media. Subtle Nows, 2016. Mixed media. Panoramic Awareness, 2016. Mixed media. Installation view of the 2017 MFA Biennial . This show was on view at University Galleries of Illinois State University from January 14 through February 12, 2017
2017 MFA Biennial
Molly Markow, Subtle Nows, 2016. Mixed media. Installation view of the 2017 MFA Biennial . This show was on view at University Galleries of Illinois State University from January 14 through February 12, 2017
2017 MFA Biennial
Installation view of the 2017 MFA Biennial . This show was on view at University Galleries of Illinois State University from January 14 through February 12, 2017
2017 MFA Biennial
Upper row, left to right: Catherine J. Davis, Club Destiny, 2016. Digital inkjet print. Legendary Marina, 2016. Digital inkjet print. Wetland, 2016. Digital inkjet print. Motor Inn, 2016. Digital inkjet print. Lower row, left to right: Our Lady of Tyrannosaur, 2016. Digital inkjet print. Pier, 2016. Digital inkjet print. Ramada Inn, 2016. Digital inkjet print. Etienne de Boré Oak, 2016. Digital inkjet print. Installation view of the 2017 MFA Biennial . This show was on view at University Galleries of Illinois State University from January 14 through February 12, 2017
2017 MFA Biennial
Catherine J. Davis, Our Lady of Tyrannosaur, 2016. Digital inkjet print. Pier, 2016. Digital inkjet print. Installation view of the 2017 MFA Biennial . This show was on view at University Galleries of Illinois State University from January 14 through February 12, 2017
2017 MFA Biennial
Installation view of the 2017 MFA Biennial . This show was on view at University Galleries of Illinois State University from January 14 through February 12, 2017
2017 MFA Biennial
Installation view of the 2017 MFA Biennial . This show was on view at University Galleries of Illinois State University from January 14 through February 12, 2017
2017 MFA Biennial
Felicia Cannon I’m bloated with language I can’t afford to forget Lithographs and photocopies of an intaglio print | 2017 Installation view of the 2017 MFA Biennial . This show was on view at University Galleries of Illinois State University from January 14 through February 12, 2017
2017 MFA Biennial
Felicia Cannon I’m bloated with language I can’t afford to forget Lithographs and photocopies of an intaglio print | 2017 Installation view of the 2017 MFA Biennial . This show was on view at University Galleries of Illinois State University from January 14 through February 12, 2017
2017 MFA Biennial
Installation view of the 2017 MFA Biennial . This show was on view at University Galleries of Illinois State University from January 14 through February 12, 2017
2017 MFA Biennial
Ryan J. Paluczak Audio room: lament, resistance, with Sisyphus Sound and cardboard boxes | 2017 Installation view of the 2017 MFA Biennial . This show was on view at University Galleries of Illinois State University from January 14 through February 12, 2017
2017 MFA Biennial
Ryan J. Paluczak Audio room: lament, resistance, with Sisyphus Sound and cardboard boxes | 2017 Installation view of the 2017 MFA Biennial . This show was on view at University Galleries of Illinois State University from January 14 through February 12, 2017
2017 MFA Biennial
Ryan J. Paluczak Audio room: lament, resistance, with Sisyphus Sound and cardboard boxes | 2017 Installation view of the 2017 MFA Biennial . This show was on view at University Galleries of Illinois State University from January 14 through February 12, 2017
2017 MFA Biennial
Joshua Roach and Emily Lehman Monitor: Making Out Video documentation of performance, 48:32 min | 2017 Sound by Ryan J. Paluczak and Greg Sullo Installation view of the 2017 MFA Biennial . This show was on view at University Galleries of Illinois State University from January 14 through February 12, 2017
2017 MFA Biennial
Joshua Roach and Emily Lehman Monitor: Making Out Video documentation of performance, 48:32 min | 2017 Sound by Ryan J. Paluczak and Greg Sullo Installation view of the 2017 MFA Biennial . This show was on view at University Galleries of Illinois State University from January 14 through February 12, 2017
2017 MFA Biennial
Installation view of the 2017 MFA Biennial . This show was on view at University Galleries of Illinois State University from January 14 through February 12, 2017
2017 MFA Biennial
Installation view of the 2017 MFA Biennial . This show was on view at University Galleries of Illinois State University from January 14 through February 12, 2017
2017 MFA Biennial
Kale Stewart Gear Components Cast glass and concrete | 2016 Installation view of the 2017 MFA Biennial . This show was on view at University Galleries of Illinois State University from January 14 through February 12, 2017
2017 MFA Biennial
Kale Stewart Gear Components Cast glass and concrete | 2016 Installation view of the 2017 MFA Biennial . This show was on view at University Galleries of Illinois State University from January 14 through February 12, 2017
2017 MFA Biennial
Kale Stewart The Tower Stack (detail) Cast glass and concrete | 2016 Installation view of the 2017 MFA Biennial . This show was on view at University Galleries of Illinois State University from January 14 through February 12, 2017
2017 MFA Biennial
Installation view of the 2017 MFA Biennial . This show was on view at University Galleries of Illinois State University from January 14 through February 12, 2017
2017 MFA Biennial
Kirsten Heteji Left to right: Here, There and Everywhere Earthenware, found objects, and mixed media | 2016 Rings and Rocks Eathenware, found objects, and mixed media | 2016 Window Eathenware, found objects, and mixed media | 2016 Installation view of the 2017 MFA Biennial . This show was on view at University Galleries of Illinois State University from January 14 through February 12, 2017
2017 MFA Biennial
Kirsten Heteji Here, There and Everywhere (detail) Earthenware, found objects, and mixed media | 2016 Installation view of the 2017 MFA Biennial . This show was on view at University Galleries of Illinois State University from January 14 through February 12, 2017
2017 MFA Biennial
Kirsten Heteji Rings and Rocks (detail) Eathenware, found objects, and mixed media | 2016 Installation view of the 2017 MFA Biennial . This show was on view at University Galleries of Illinois State University from January 14 through February 12, 2017
2017 MFA Biennial
Installation view of the 2017 MFA Biennial . This show was on view at University Galleries of Illinois State University from January 14 through February 12, 2017
2017 MFA Biennial
Installation view of the 2017 MFA Biennial . This show was on view at University Galleries of Illinois State University from January 14 through February 12, 2017
2017 MFA Biennial
Joshua Roach Leg (Scoop) Blanket, papier–mâché, drywall compound, plaster, and paint | 2016 Installation view of the 2017 MFA Biennial . This show was on view at University Galleries of Illinois State University from January 14 through February 12, 2017
2017 MFA Biennial
Installation view of the 2017 MFA Biennial . This show was on view at University Galleries of Illinois State University from January 14 through February 12, 2017
2017 MFA Biennial
Installation view Wall: Jeremy Lampe The Snozzle Factory Blown glass, metal, and rubber | 2016 Floor: Floppy Silicone, paint, papier–mâché, fabric, and wood | 2016 Installation view of the 2017 MFA Biennial . This show was on view at University Galleries of Illinois State University from January 14 through February 12, 2017
2017 MFA Biennial
Jeremy Lampe The Snozzle Factory Blown glass, metal, and rubber | 2016 Installation view of the 2017 MFA Biennial . This show was on view at University Galleries of Illinois State University from January 14 through February 12, 2017
2017 MFA Biennial
Jeremy Lampe The Snozzle Factory (detail) Blown glass, metal, and rubber | 2016 Installation view of the 2017 MFA Biennial . This show was on view at University Galleries of Illinois State University from January 14 through February 12, 2017
2017 MFA Biennial
Installation view of the 2017 MFA Biennial . This show was on view at University Galleries of Illinois State University from January 14 through February 12, 2017
2017 MFA Biennial
Joshua Roach Floppy Silicone, paint, papier–mâché, fabric, and wood | 2016 Installation view of the 2017 MFA Biennial . This show was on view at University Galleries of Illinois State University from January 14 through February 12, 2017
2017 MFA Biennial
Alexis Bragg Left to right: Seeking the Invisible I Digital inkjet print | 2016 Seeking the Invisible II Digital inkjet print | 2016 Installation view of the 2017 MFA Biennial . This show was on view at University Galleries of Illinois State University from January 14 through February 12, 2017
2017 MFA Biennial
Installation view of the 2017 MFA Biennial . This show was on view at University Galleries of Illinois State University from January 14 through February 12, 2017
2017 MFA Biennial
Installation view Left to right: Alexis Bragg Seeking the Invisible I Digital inkjet print | 2016 Barrymore A. Moton Voodoochouu Recycled paper | 2015 INI Recycled paper | 2015 Numawanavaall Recycled paper | 2015 Installation view of the 2017 MFA Biennial . This show was on view at University Galleries of Illinois State University from January 14 through February 12, 2017
2017 MFA Biennial
Barrymore A. Moton Left to right: Voodoochouu Recycled paper | 2015 INI Recycled paper | 2015 Numawanavaall Recycled paper | 2015 Installation view of the 2017 MFA Biennial . This show was on view at University Galleries of Illinois State University from January 14 through February 12, 2017
2017 MFA Biennial
Barrymore A. Moton INI (detail) Recycled paper | 2015 Installation view of the 2017 MFA Biennial . This show was on view at University Galleries of Illinois State University from January 14 through February 12, 2017
2017 MFA Biennial
Installation view of the 2017 MFA Biennial . This show was on view at University Galleries of Illinois State University from January 14 through February 12, 2017
2017 MFA Biennial
George Barreca Table 1: Stock Pot Earthenware and glaze | 2017 Platter Earthenware and glaze | 2017 Installation view of the 2017 MFA Biennial . This show was on view at University Galleries of Illinois State University from January 14 through February 12, 2017
2017 MFA Biennial
George Barreca Table 2: Tureen Earthenware, glaze and luster | 2016 Jug Earthenware and glaze | 2016 Installation view of the 2017 MFA Biennial . This show was on view at University Galleries of Illinois State University from January 14 through February 12, 2017
2017 MFA Biennial
George Barreca Table 2: Tureen Earthenware, glaze and luster | 2016 Installation view of the 2017 MFA Biennial . This show was on view at University Galleries of Illinois State University from January 14 through February 12, 2017
2017 MFA Biennial
Emily Lehman Cheek to Cheek Mixed Media | 2016-2017 Installation view of the 2017 MFA Biennial . This show was on view at University Galleries of Illinois State University from January 14 through February 12, 2017
2017 MFA Biennial
Emily Lehman Cheek to Cheek (detail) Mixed Media | 2016-2017 Installation view of the 2017 MFA Biennial . This show was on view at University Galleries of Illinois State University from January 14 through February 12, 2017
2017 MFA Biennial
Emily Lehman Cheek to Cheek (detail) Mixed Media | 2016-2017 Installation view of the 2017 MFA Biennial . This show was on view at University Galleries of Illinois State University from January 14 through February 12, 2017
2017 MFA Biennial
Emily Lehman Cheek to Cheek (detail) Mixed Media | 2016-2017 Installation view of the 2017 MFA Biennial . This show was on view at University Galleries of Illinois State University from January 14 through February 12, 2017
2017 MFA Biennial
Emily Lehman Cheek to Cheek (detail) Mixed Media | 2016-2017 Installation view of the 2017 MFA Biennial . This show was on view at University Galleries of Illinois State University from January 14 through February 12, 2017
Exhibiting artists: George Barreca, Lexi Bragg, Felicia Cannon, Megan Coonelly, Catherine Davis, Mariko Brown Harkin, Kirsten Heteji, Rebecca Frank, Jeremy Langston, Jeremy Lampe, Emily Lehman, Molly Markow, Barry Moton, Ryan Paluczak, Josh Roach, Kale Stewart, Micah Zavacky.
Exhibition Documentation
Events & Programming
Exhibition reception
Tuesday, January 24
5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.