Lift Off

The 6th Annual SJSU MFA Graduate Exhibition.

Over the last two to three years, while the 17 Master of Fine Arts (MFA) graduates in Lift Off have been immersed in San Jose State University’s (SJSU) academic program, our country and world have undergone dramatic changes. We have witnessed a presidential campaign based on hope while the economy plummeted downward and troops continued to fight in wars in foreign lands. Issues ranging from healthcare, jobs, sub-prime mortgages and terrorism confront us daily. In the face of these challenges, the artists in Lift Off remained hopeful, sharing their voices and enriching our community by making art. Central to the mission of the San Jose Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) is inspiring creativity by allowing artists to make new work, innovate and comment on the world around them. That is why this collaboration with SJSU’s art department, now in its sixth year, continues to be such a meaningful partnership. From sculpture to photography and printmaking to new media, the artwork in this exhibition challenges, inspires and reflects on the ideas and culture of our time.

As the ICA turns 30 this year, we continue to reflect on our commitment to create meaningful opportunities for emerging and local artists. Lift Off is an example of this commitment. This diverse group of graduates reflects the cultural vibrancy of our community. We are proud to present their accomplishments and to provide a launching pad for their future endeavors. We invite you to pause and engage with the objects, images and concepts put forth by these artists as they embark on the next steps of their artistic journeys.

The ICA would like to thank Linda Walsh, Acting Director of the School of Art & Design for her continued commitment to deepening this collaboration. Special thanks to MFA students Susan Suriyapa and Barbara Horiuchi for their leadership and dedication to making this project a success. Most importantly, we are especially grateful to the artists in this exhibition for their hard work, cooperation and enthusiasm for this collaboration. As emerging artists in our community, the voices of the 17 MFA graduates inspire and challenge us. It truly has been a privilege to work with each of them.

In conjunction with the exhibition, the MFA graduates have published a catalogue of their work with essays by Art History Master Degree candidates Tariq Abdul-Wahad, Sarah Goodman, Heather Peterson, Maayan Glaser-Koren and Samantha Johnson.