NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) presents its 2024 senior art project showcasing the work of students Skylah Zayas, Hailey Rolon, and Matt Flanagan. 

 

"Synthesis: Sluts, Beasts, and Synths" is an inquiry into themes of love, imaginative beasts, and post-punk/industrial music, according to a press release.

 

The exhibition is open for viewing until May 11 at Gallery 51, located at 51 Main St. in North Adams.

 

Zayas' project explores themes of love and sexuality using reclaimed wooden pallets fashioned into a bed. The fabric upholstery and bedding incorporate quotes gathered from participants' relationship experiences.

 

"This sculpture/installation reflects emotion and experiences of modern hook-up culture from not only myself, but my peers," Zayas said. "My artwork strongly utilizes the opinions and voices in my surrounding community."

 

Rolon creates life-sized dream-like beasts using paper mâché, clay, and drawings. She sees her work as an extension of herself, expressing the physicality of her lived experiences.

 

Flanagan combines his interpretations of post-punk and industrial music with art historical inquiry. His work merges music and art through experimental compositions using metal scraps and found materials.

 

"We are all combining our external influences with our own ideas, in uncomfortable or shocking ways," he said. "The shock factor in my project is through my materials - rusty, sharp, and bizarre metal scraps."

 

Under the guidance of MCLA art professors and Gallery 51 staff, alongside guest artists, the students create professional statements, resumes, and other documents necessary for entering the art world. In addition to the exhibit, students will deliver artist talks at MCLA's Undergraduate Research Conference.