Bachelor of fine arts students at Kwantlen Polytechnic University are highlighting the environmental and ecological issues facing young people today.
Their grad show, 17/21, features the work of 17 students completing their studies in 2021. It is being held online because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I think the ecological justice theme that is running through the exhibition is something that the students are experiencing on a deep personal level as well as a global level,” says Amy Huestis, fine arts instructor at KPU.
“People will walk away with an understanding of what the graduating fine arts students are doing and also they’ll see the graduating class being really inventive.”
The students have used specialist techniques and processes to create their pieces. Steven Robinson has mixed ice with paint to showcase the melting glaciers.
“I want people to acknowledge the impact that humans as a species have on the environment,” Robinson says.
Jessica Spanza has mixed parts of the natural world, such as grass and twigs, with man-made materials like concrete to create her sculpture. She says all the students have been influenced by one another to make their unique pieces.
“I hope everyone gets to see the amazing classmates I’ve been working with, had the luxury of working with,” says Spanza.
The bachelor of fine arts grad show takes place online and on Instagram on April 16, from 7 – 8:30 p.m.
