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Department of Art

Matea LeBeau (B.F.A. '22), working on her installation piece Four Urban Oil Fields.

Tina Lam (M.F.A. '22) working on her sculpture, the first mystery, my dearest, is that of our existence in the Tjaden Gallery.

Eat the World or Live in Death work by B.F.A. thesis student Liana Amaya (B.F.A. '22).

David Nasca (M.F.A. '22), peering into his installation piece Supernature in the Experimental Gallery.

A Blanket for the Dances that are Remembered by Mia Hause (B.F.A. '22) and Erin Conolly (B.S. '23) at the Tjaden Hall Experimental Gallery.

Erika Germain (M.F.A. '22) Ever-Patterned Collapsing Grid oil on canvas, 6'x18' in the Tjaden Gallery.

Second-year art student Iris Kazhmurat (B.F.A. '22) works at the easel during Carl Ostendarp's advanced painting class in Tjaden Hall studio. 

Morgan Evans-Weiler (M.F.A. '21) exhibition Asemic at the Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art.

Christine McDonald (M.F.A. '22) assembles work for her final review in Tjaden Hall.

Daniel Lee (B.F.A. '22), working in the Tjaden Hall painting studio.

Christine McDonald (M.F.A. '22) working in her studio in the Foundry.

Print Media critique at the Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art. The class was led by Associate Professor of Art Elisabeth Meyer.

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At Cornell, the study of art is an education in creating artistic objects, spaces, and experiences that reflect intellectual judgment, philosophical understanding, historical knowledge, and ethical principles that engage and influence the often bewildering complexity of contemporary life within and beyond the academy. 

Students develop the skills specific to the practice of art in addition to and within the understanding that there are more general skills necessary to a critical apprehension of the collective condition. This distinction is made in order to clarify that the department does not view art itself merely as a profession, but as a way of understanding and communicating meaning through materials, situations, language, and images.

"As artist-educators, we assume a unique and critical role in connecting some of the most complex aspects of art practice to pedagogy," says Paul Ramírez Jonas, Professor and Chair of the Department of Art. " We do this understanding that the next generation of artists live in a world that is both fraught with compounded crises and full of opportunities for engagement, intervention, and for making lasting change."

Highlights
  • two people standing on either side of a table smiling at each other

    A Letter from the Chair

    Paul Ramírez Jonas, Professor and Chair of the Department of Art, shares recent updates as well as an overview of new things to come and thoughts on the fall 2022 semester. 

  • A Note from the Director of Graduate Studies

    Leeza Meksin, Assistant Professor and Director of Graduate Studies in the Department of Art, offers a view into the framework and details of the M.F.A program. 

  • grid of black and white portraits over purple color block

    Cornell AAP Announces New Hires Advancing Collaborative Scholarship and Creative Practice in Social Justice and Equity

    The college welcomes eight new faculty members and two fellows who together bring social justice and radical collaboration to the forefront of AAP's efforts to build a more sustainable, just, and thriving world for all.

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Savannah Flores, B.F.A. '25, Detail of Embrace of the Forest's Corruption (2021), ink and watercolor on paper, 8" x 11". image / provided
Embrace of the Forest's Corruption
Matéa LeBeau, B.F.A. 2022, Video clip from My Climate Change Anxiety (2019). video / provided
My Climate Change Anxiety
Lane Letourneau, B.F.A. 2021, Tomat-uh-oh (2017), scanned images composited in Photoshop, 40" x 30".
Work by Lane Letourneau
Pauline Shongov, B.F.A. 2018, Pauline Shongov and Aaron Glasser '17, wax notes (2017), 16 mm film and digital projection, installation view.
Work by Pauline Shongov
Matéa LeBeau, B.F.A. 2022, Detail of Refrain on Quilted Paper (2021), Lithograph prints, thread, 7' x 8'.
What Remains
Jeeah Eom, B.F.A. 2019, It's Only a Procedure (2017), digital photograph on transparency.
Work by Jeeah Eom
Nadia Chernova, B.F.A. 2020, Apologies (2017), acrylic on canvas, 48" x 36".
Work by Nadia Chernova
Sabrina Haertig, B.F.A. 2022, To Unravel the Universe (2019), Indigo dye, polyester-cotton fabric, cotton thread, wooden dowels, Styrofoam, 20' x 36".
To Unravel the Universe, Voyager 1 and 2
Emery Bergmann, B.F.A. 2021, Screenshot from the video My College Transition (2017).
My College Transition
Maggie O'Keefe, B.F.A. 2019, 26 Broadway (2017), oil, 24" x 18".
Work by Maggie O'Keefe
Lucy Plowe, B.F.A. 2020, Blessing's Bloom (2018), water-based monotype and handmade paper installation, approximately 48" x 84".
Work by Lucy Plowe
Aiza Ahmed, B.F.A. 2020, Khidmat Gar (Waiter) (2018), pencil on paper, 18" x 24".
Work by Aiza Ahmed
Kevin Cruz, B.F.A. 2018, Cholo Painting #3 (2017), paint marker and acrylic paint on canvas, 41.5" x 56".
Work by Kevin Cruz
Jay Yang, B.F.A. 2018, Different Ways to Eat Lead: Dominus (2017), spray paint, 60" x 48".
Work by Jay Yang
William Jihrel Smith, B.F.A. 2019, Failed Blacks #1 (2016), etching and engraving on Rives BFK printmaking paper, 11" x 14".
Work by William Smith
So Yeon (Natalie) Kim, B.F.A. 2018, Cloud Eaters (2017), oil on canvas, 48" x 60".
Work by So Yeon (Natalie) Kim
Lauryn Smith, B.F.A. 2018, Jacob, oil on canvas.
Familial Waters
Vaidehi Reddy, B.F.A. 2022, Maa Durga (2019), intaglio on Hanhemule paper, 15" x 11".
Work by Vaidehi Reddy
Cagla Sokullu, B.F.A. 2020, Gezi (2018), digital painting print, 44" x 70".
Heavyheart
Vivian Lin, B.F.A. 2020, Thy Eve (2019), yarn, stuffing, embroidery thread, 166" x 19".
Work by Vivian Lin
Angelique Nagovskaya, B.F.A. 2022, Untitled ii (2020) red colored pencil, conte on paper, 48" x 60".
Work by Angelique Nagovskaya
William Demaria, B.F.A. 2020, Portraits and other Fractured Landscapes 3 (2017), oil paint on MDF board, 18" x 24".
Work by William Demaria
Christina Welzer, B.F.A. 2019 , Raw (2017), pen drawing, digital alteration, inkjet print, 44" x 42".
Work by Christina Welzer
Asha Bell, B.F.A. 2022, Make Orwell Fiction Again (2020), Digital Photograph.
Disrupting Quietude in Suburbia: Landscape Activism
Sabrina Haertig Gonzalez, B.F.A. 2022, Installation view of Sabor a Carne (2021), steel, latex, silicone, cellulose, cabinet, and beeswax, dimensions variable. image / provided
Work by Sabrina Haertig Gonzalez
Cecilia Lu, B.F.A. 2022, Living Parts (2019), intaglio etching.
Quiet Horrors
Adam Shulman, B.F.A./B.A. '23, After Nature Had Drawn a Few Breaths (2021), three-channel video and nine-channel light installation, Schwartz Center for the Performing Arts, Ithaca, New York, installation view. image / provided
After Nature Had Drawn a Few Breaths
B.F.A.

Applied + Engaged Art Practice

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A) curriculum combines the intensive studio culture of the Department of Art with open access to elective classes in all areas of Cornell University. Focusing on individualized direction with close faculty mentorship, studio practice, and forging trans-disciplinary relationships, the department prepares a close community of artists to engage the world as creative and intellectual leaders.

Read more about the B.F.A program

Apply Now

Savannah Flores, B.F.A. '25, Detail of Embrace of the Forest's Corruption (2021), ink and watercolor on paper, 8" x 11". image / provided
Embrace of the Forest's Corruption
Matéa LeBeau, B.F.A. 2022, Video clip from My Climate Change Anxiety (2019). video / provided
My Climate Change Anxiety
Lane Letourneau, B.F.A. 2021, Tomat-uh-oh (2017), scanned images composited in Photoshop, 40" x 30".
Work by Lane Letourneau
Pauline Shongov, B.F.A. 2018, Pauline Shongov and Aaron Glasser '17, wax notes (2017), 16 mm film and digital projection, installation view.
Work by Pauline Shongov
Matéa LeBeau, B.F.A. 2022, Detail of Refrain on Quilted Paper (2021), Lithograph prints, thread, 7' x 8'.
What Remains
Jeeah Eom, B.F.A. 2019, It's Only a Procedure (2017), digital photograph on transparency.
Work by Jeeah Eom
Nadia Chernova, B.F.A. 2020, Apologies (2017), acrylic on canvas, 48" x 36".
Work by Nadia Chernova
Sabrina Haertig, B.F.A. 2022, To Unravel the Universe (2019), Indigo dye, polyester-cotton fabric, cotton thread, wooden dowels, Styrofoam, 20' x 36".
To Unravel the Universe, Voyager 1 and 2
Emery Bergmann, B.F.A. 2021, Screenshot from the video My College Transition (2017).
My College Transition
Maggie O'Keefe, B.F.A. 2019, 26 Broadway (2017), oil, 24" x 18".
Work by Maggie O'Keefe
Lucy Plowe, B.F.A. 2020, Blessing's Bloom (2018), water-based monotype and handmade paper installation, approximately 48" x 84".
Work by Lucy Plowe
Aiza Ahmed, B.F.A. 2020, Khidmat Gar (Waiter) (2018), pencil on paper, 18" x 24".
Work by Aiza Ahmed
Kevin Cruz, B.F.A. 2018, Cholo Painting #3 (2017), paint marker and acrylic paint on canvas, 41.5" x 56".
Work by Kevin Cruz
Jay Yang, B.F.A. 2018, Different Ways to Eat Lead: Dominus (2017), spray paint, 60" x 48".
Work by Jay Yang
William Jihrel Smith, B.F.A. 2019, Failed Blacks #1 (2016), etching and engraving on Rives BFK printmaking paper, 11" x 14".
Work by William Smith
So Yeon (Natalie) Kim, B.F.A. 2018, Cloud Eaters (2017), oil on canvas, 48" x 60".
Work by So Yeon (Natalie) Kim
Lauryn Smith, B.F.A. 2018, Jacob, oil on canvas.
Familial Waters
Vaidehi Reddy, B.F.A. 2022, Maa Durga (2019), intaglio on Hanhemule paper, 15" x 11".
Work by Vaidehi Reddy
Cagla Sokullu, B.F.A. 2020, Gezi (2018), digital painting print, 44" x 70".
Heavyheart
Vivian Lin, B.F.A. 2020, Thy Eve (2019), yarn, stuffing, embroidery thread, 166" x 19".
Work by Vivian Lin
Angelique Nagovskaya, B.F.A. 2022, Untitled ii (2020) red colored pencil, conte on paper, 48" x 60".
Work by Angelique Nagovskaya
William Demaria, B.F.A. 2020, Portraits and other Fractured Landscapes 3 (2017), oil paint on MDF board, 18" x 24".
Work by William Demaria
Christina Welzer, B.F.A. 2019 , Raw (2017), pen drawing, digital alteration, inkjet print, 44" x 42".
Work by Christina Welzer
Asha Bell, B.F.A. 2022, Make Orwell Fiction Again (2020), Digital Photograph.
Disrupting Quietude in Suburbia: Landscape Activism
Sabrina Haertig Gonzalez, B.F.A. 2022, Installation view of Sabor a Carne (2021), steel, latex, silicone, cellulose, cabinet, and beeswax, dimensions variable. image / provided
Work by Sabrina Haertig Gonzalez
Cecilia Lu, B.F.A. 2022, Living Parts (2019), intaglio etching.
Quiet Horrors
Adam Shulman, B.F.A./B.A. '23, After Nature Had Drawn a Few Breaths (2021), three-channel video and nine-channel light installation, Schwartz Center for the Performing Arts, Ithaca, New York, installation view. image / provided
After Nature Had Drawn a Few Breaths
M.F.A.

New Imaginaries + Critical Practices

The two-year Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A) program is an intensive, intimate, and diverse community that supports interdisciplinary and medium-specific practices augmented by access to the breadth of fields of study across the university. The college provides private studios, teaching assistantships throughout, and a generous tuition remission. 

Read more about the M.F.A program

Apply Now

Sophia Starling, M.F.A. 2019, Exposed (Cadmium Orange) (2015), oil on linen, 43" x 67" x 4".
Work by Sophia Starling
Shelby Johnson, M.F.A. 2023, Detail of Onion Moon (2022), animated gif. gif / provided
Onion Moon by Shelby Johnson
Kate Huffman, M.F.A. 2018, Georgia On My Mind (2015), watercolor on paper, 4' x 4'.
Work by Kate Huffman
Group Project, How to Build an Ocean, Alexis White, In The Courtyard (2019), Multimedia collage, 48" x 36".
How to Build an Ocean
Yasmeen Abedifard, M.F.A. 2020, Installation view of رسیده / Ripe (2019), silkscreen, digital excerpts from an eight-page comic, 11" x 15" each, from the group exhibition Or High Water. photo / Shark Senesac
Ripe
Jerry Lim, M.F.A. 2017, Untitled, from the series Kingdom (2011–present), 4" x 5" film negative, sizes variable.
Work by Jerry Lim
Ciara Stack, M.F.A. 2020, Splinter Gum (2019), acrylic paint and pen on paper, 12" x 9".
Work by Ciara Stack
Na Chainkua Reindorf, M.F.A. 2017, Millennium Development Goals: Eradicate Extreme Poverty and Hunger, digital photograph, 32" x 24".
Work by Na Chainkua Reindorf
Group Project, Or High Water, Installation view of Or High Water, including work by (from left to right) Ege Okal, Patrick Brennan, and Brice Peterson. photo / Shark Senesac
Or High Water
Kirk Henriques, M.F.A. 2021, Discourse (2019), oil, acrylic, mixed media on wood, 24" x 36".
Work by Kirk Henriques
Christine McDonald, M.F.A. 2022, 591 / Flies / imaginary object 1 & 2 (2021) burnished powdered pigments; dimensions variable; abaca, 590 houseflies (musca domestica), flying table; tetrahedron with fly; Single Slant-blank headstone, a Stage), gypsum 150lbs
Work by Christine McDonald
Sophia Starling, M.F.A. 2019, Friday’s Studio Obstacle (Black/White) (2019), rubber on plaster, 22" x 8" x 7"; and Friday’s Studio Obstacle (Yellow/White) (2019), rubber on plaster, 23" x 8" x 7".
Thesis Work by Sophia Starling: Studio Obstacles
Kaleb Hunkele, M.F.A. 2018, Night Light (2017).
Work by Kaleb Hunkele
Gabriel Ramos, M.F.A. 2018, Fragmentos 2 (2017), paper and vinyl, dimensions variable.
Work by Gabriel Ramos
Group Project, Badminton Tournament, Grace Sachi Troxell, Untitled (Carrots) (2021), unfired no shrink clay, slipcast clay vegetables, carrots, tumeric, lemon, ginger, steel, 74" x 30" x 30".
Badminton Tournament
Libby Rosa, M.F.A. 2019, Reflection Painting #1 (2018), oil, acrylic, canvas, 10" x 10".
Work by Libby Rosa
Christine McDonald, M.F.A. 2022, Steel Wool Overcoat exhibition (2021) installation view. image / provided
Steel Wool Overcoat
Alex Jahani, M.F.A. 2018, Artifact (2016), acrylic and spray paint on wood panel, 14" x 11".
Work by Alex Jahani
Libby Rosa, M.F.A. 2019, Anklets (2019), acrylic and airbrush on canvas, 48" x 72". image / provided
Thesis Work by Libby Rosa: Sky Woman
Layla Zubi, M.F.A. 2022, Detail of They Cannot Represent Themselves; They Must Be Represented (2021), OSB (oriented strand board), blue spray paint on manila and polypropylene rope, books (Writings of William Shakespeare, Webster Dictionary, and Bible).
They Cannot Represent Themselves; They Must Be Represented
Brice Peterson, M.F.A. 2019, Terminal Connection (2018), custom printed fleece and vinyl pillow in enamel-coated steel cart, 23" x 48" x 34".
Work by Brice Peterson
Stevie Klaark, M.F.A. 2017, Across the nation I found myself racing (2016), three emergency blankets and parallel projection of digital film recording, dimensions variable, from the solo exhibition Faith in Strangers.
Work by Stevie Klaark
Madeleine Cichy, M.F.A. 2017, Building Blocks For The Rest Of Your Life (2016), watercolor on paper, 15" x 22".
Work by Madeleine Cichy
Sophia Starling, M.F.A. 2019, Sophia Starling (M.F.A. '19) working on her piece Continuous Painting in Rand Hall. William Staffeld / AAP
Continuous Painting
Giselle Hobbs, M.F.A. 2023, Vital Fluid, exhibition view of Las venas de America (2022), oil on canvas, and Ñande Sy (2022) living moss. image / provided
Vital Fluid by Giselle Hobbs
Richard Zimmerman, M.F.A. 2018, Untitled (2017), watercolor and gouache on paper, 15" x 11".
Work by Richard Zimmerman
Paloma Vianey, M.F.A. 2021, Femicides (2019), oil on canvas and LED lights, 30" x 40".
Work by Paloma Vianey
Yasmeen Abedifard, M.F.A. 2020, Triangular Desire 1 (2018), acrylic on canvas board, 8" x 10".
Triangular Desire
Brice Peterson, M.F.A. 2019, Installation view of Six White Cadillacs including (from left to right) I Wonder (2019), leather and plywood, 25" x 53"; and Stand (2019), polymer clay, wood, and enamel, 56" x 12" x 12". image / provided
Thesis Work by Brice Peterson: Six White Cadillacs
Giselle Hobbs, M.F.A. 2023, Moss Temporality (2021), moss, ferns, aquatic plants, wood, dimensions variable.
Moss Temporality by Giselle Hobbs
Student Takeovers
@cornellaap
  • A person wearing all black standing in front of a studio wall with shelves.

    Christine McDonald (M.F.A. '22)

  • A white wall with an array of pinned photos and posters with lights strong along the ceiling.

    Lauren Peters (B.F.A. '21)

  • A gold and concrete building structure with casted shadows.

    Erin Ibo (B.F.A. '22)

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