Home / Academics

Department of Art

Gallery view of Willem Schreiber's (B.F.A. '25) exhibit Dark Ride. Dark Ride is an exploration of the practical and experiential elements of the Pirates of the Caribbean theme park attraction located in Walt Disney World, Florida.

Portrait of Josue Herrera (B.F.A. '23) in his studio looking through a lens with work from his thesis Untitled, 2023 hanging behind him.

Student Kiara Taylor performing during Chasing the Sun, a performance festival from sunrise to sunset featuring four renowned performance artists and six students organized by Visiting Critic Emilio Rojas.

Hugh Hayden (B.Arch. '07) providing feedback to Bec Sommer (M.F.A. '23) during his studio visits with graduate students in Tjaden Hall.

Artists Tim Green and Oliver Stern (both B.F.A. '24) draw on canvas lining the walls of the Olive Tjaden Gallery during a five-day live drawing performance and exhibition titled Cave Painting 2.

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.

Gallery view of The Purification of Shelby Johnson, a thesis exhibition by Shelby Johnson (M.F.A. '23). The installation featured crocheted dolls accompanied by a choir concert voiced by Johnson.

caption
1 of 7

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."

The Department of Art currently offers three degree programs including a Bachelor of Fine Arts designed for the integration of elective classes from across the university, a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Visual Arts with an emphasis on studio practice in and across all mediums, and a new low-residency Master of Fine Arts in Image Text integrating creative writing, contemporary visual media, and design for print and digital publication.

Information Sessions
Vaidehi Reddy, B.F.A. 2022, Maa Durga (2019), intaglio on Hanhemule paper, 15" x 11". image / provided
Work by Vaidehi Reddy
Aiza Ahmed, B.F.A. 2020, Khidmat Gar (Waiter) (2018), pencil on paper, 18" x 24". image / provided
Vagaries of Life
Adam Shulman, B.F.A./B.A. 2023, 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
Mia Brown-Seguin, B.F.A. 2024, Terra (2022), handbound photo book, 5-3/4" x 8-1/4". photo / provided
Work by Mia Brown-Seguin
Nadia Chernova, B.F.A. 2020, Apologies (2017), acrylic on canvas, 48" x 36". image / provided
Work by Nadia Chernova
Vivian Lin, B.F.A. 2020, Thy Eve (2019), yarn, stuffing, embroidery thread, 166" x 19". image / provided
Thy Eve
Asha Bell, B.F.A. 2022, Make Orwell Fiction Again (2020), digital photograph. photo / Asha Bell
Disrupting Quietude in Suburbia: Landscape Activism
Jay Yang, B.F.A. 2018, Different Ways to Eat Lead: Dominus (2017), spray paint, 60" x 48". image / provided
Work by Jay Yang
Pauline Shongov, B.F.A. 2018, Pauline Shongov and Aaron Glasser '17, wax notes (2017), 16 mm film and digital projection, installation view. image / provided
Work by Pauline Shongov
Lucy Plowe, B.F.A. 2020, Blessing's Bloom (2018), water-based monotype and handmade paper installation, approximately 48" x 84". image / provided
Work by Lucy Plowe
Cecilia Lu, B.F.A. 2022, Living Parts (2019), intaglio etching. image / provided
Quiet Horrors
Jeeah Eom, B.F.A. 2019, It's Only a Procedure (2017), digital photograph on transparency. image / provided
Work by Jeeah Eom
So Yeon (Natalie) Kim, B.F.A. 2018, Cloud Eaters (2017), oil on canvas, 48" x 60". image / provided
Work by So Yeon (Natalie) Kim
Matéa LeBeau, B.F.A. 2022, Still from My Climate Change Anxiety (2019), digital animation video. image / provided
Work by Matéa LeBeau
Christina Welzer, B.F.A. 2019 , Raw (2017), pen drawing, digital alteration, inkjet print, 44" x 42". image / provided
Work by Christina Welzer
Cagla Sokullu, B.F.A. 2020, Gezi (2018), digital painting print, 44" x 70". image / provided
Heavyheart
Lauryn Smith, B.F.A. 2018, Jacob (n.d.), oil on canvas. image / provided
Familial Waters
Savannah Flores, B.F.A. 2025, 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
William Demaria, B.F.A. 2020, Portraits and other Fractured Landscapes 3 (2017), oil paint on MDF board, 18" x 24". image / provided
Work by William Demaria
Kevin Cruz, B.F.A. 2018, Cholo Painting #3 (2017), paint marker and acrylic paint on canvas, 41.5" x 56". image / provided
Work by Kevin Cruz
Maggie O'Keefe, B.F.A. 2019, 26 Broadway (2017), oil, 24" x 18".
Work by Maggie O'Keefe
William Jihrel Smith, B.F.A. 2019, Failed Blacks #1 (2016), etching and engraving on Rives BFK printmaking paper, 11" x 14". image / provided
Work by William Jihrel Smith
Lane Letourneau, B.F.A. 2021, Tomat-uh-oh (2017), scanned images composited in Photoshop, 40" x 30". image / provided
Work by Lane Letourneau
Emery Bergmann, B.F.A. 2021, Screenshot from the video My College Transition (2017). video still / Emery Bergmann
My College Transition
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
Angelique Nagovskaya, B.F.A. 2022, Untitled ii (2020) red colored pencil, conte on paper, 48" x 60". image / provided
Work by Angelique Nagovskaya
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

Vaidehi Reddy, B.F.A. 2022, Maa Durga (2019), intaglio on Hanhemule paper, 15" x 11". image / provided
Work by Vaidehi Reddy
Aiza Ahmed, B.F.A. 2020, Khidmat Gar (Waiter) (2018), pencil on paper, 18" x 24". image / provided
Vagaries of Life
Adam Shulman, B.F.A./B.A. 2023, 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
Mia Brown-Seguin, B.F.A. 2024, Terra (2022), handbound photo book, 5-3/4" x 8-1/4". photo / provided
Work by Mia Brown-Seguin
Nadia Chernova, B.F.A. 2020, Apologies (2017), acrylic on canvas, 48" x 36". image / provided
Work by Nadia Chernova
Vivian Lin, B.F.A. 2020, Thy Eve (2019), yarn, stuffing, embroidery thread, 166" x 19". image / provided
Thy Eve
Asha Bell, B.F.A. 2022, Make Orwell Fiction Again (2020), digital photograph. photo / Asha Bell
Disrupting Quietude in Suburbia: Landscape Activism
Jay Yang, B.F.A. 2018, Different Ways to Eat Lead: Dominus (2017), spray paint, 60" x 48". image / provided
Work by Jay Yang
Pauline Shongov, B.F.A. 2018, Pauline Shongov and Aaron Glasser '17, wax notes (2017), 16 mm film and digital projection, installation view. image / provided
Work by Pauline Shongov
Lucy Plowe, B.F.A. 2020, Blessing's Bloom (2018), water-based monotype and handmade paper installation, approximately 48" x 84". image / provided
Work by Lucy Plowe
Cecilia Lu, B.F.A. 2022, Living Parts (2019), intaglio etching. image / provided
Quiet Horrors
Jeeah Eom, B.F.A. 2019, It's Only a Procedure (2017), digital photograph on transparency. image / provided
Work by Jeeah Eom
So Yeon (Natalie) Kim, B.F.A. 2018, Cloud Eaters (2017), oil on canvas, 48" x 60". image / provided
Work by So Yeon (Natalie) Kim
Matéa LeBeau, B.F.A. 2022, Still from My Climate Change Anxiety (2019), digital animation video. image / provided
Work by Matéa LeBeau
Christina Welzer, B.F.A. 2019 , Raw (2017), pen drawing, digital alteration, inkjet print, 44" x 42". image / provided
Work by Christina Welzer
Cagla Sokullu, B.F.A. 2020, Gezi (2018), digital painting print, 44" x 70". image / provided
Heavyheart
Lauryn Smith, B.F.A. 2018, Jacob (n.d.), oil on canvas. image / provided
Familial Waters
Savannah Flores, B.F.A. 2025, 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
William Demaria, B.F.A. 2020, Portraits and other Fractured Landscapes 3 (2017), oil paint on MDF board, 18" x 24". image / provided
Work by William Demaria
Kevin Cruz, B.F.A. 2018, Cholo Painting #3 (2017), paint marker and acrylic paint on canvas, 41.5" x 56". image / provided
Work by Kevin Cruz
Maggie O'Keefe, B.F.A. 2019, 26 Broadway (2017), oil, 24" x 18".
Work by Maggie O'Keefe
William Jihrel Smith, B.F.A. 2019, Failed Blacks #1 (2016), etching and engraving on Rives BFK printmaking paper, 11" x 14". image / provided
Work by William Jihrel Smith
Lane Letourneau, B.F.A. 2021, Tomat-uh-oh (2017), scanned images composited in Photoshop, 40" x 30". image / provided
Work by Lane Letourneau
Emery Bergmann, B.F.A. 2021, Screenshot from the video My College Transition (2017). video still / Emery Bergmann
My College Transition
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
Angelique Nagovskaya, B.F.A. 2022, Untitled ii (2020) red colored pencil, conte on paper, 48" x 60". image / provided
Work by Angelique Nagovskaya
M.F.A. in Creative Visual Arts

New Imaginaries + Critical Practices

The two-year Master of Fine Arts in Creative Visual Arts 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 in Creative Visual Arts program

Apply Now

Paloma Vianey, M.F.A. in Creative Visual Arts 2021, Femicides (2019), oil on canvas and LED lights, 30" x 40".
Work by Paloma Vianey
Stevie Klaark, M.F.A. in Creative Visual Arts 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. image / provided
Work by Stevie Klaark
Yasmeen Abedifard, M.F.A. in Creative Visual Arts 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
Work by Yasmeen Abedifard
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". image / provided
Badminton Tournament
Gabriel Ramos, M.F.A. in Creative Visual Arts 2018, Fragmentos 2 (2017), paper and vinyl, dimensions variable. image / provided
Work by Gabriel Ramos
Kirk Henriques, M.F.A. in Creative Visual Arts 2021, Discourse (2019), oil, acrylic, mixed media on wood, 24" x 36". image / provided
Work by Kirk Henriques
Libby Rosa, M.F.A. in Creative Visual Arts 2019, Anklets (2019), acrylic and airbrush on canvas, 48" x 72". image / provided
Work by Libby Rosa
Group Project, How to Build an Ocean, Alexis White, In The Courtyard (2019), multimedia collage, 48" x 36". image / provided
How to Build an Ocean
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
Kate Huffman, M.F.A. in Creative Visual Arts 2018, Georgia On My Mind (2015), watercolor on paper, 4' x 4'. image / provided
Work by Kate Huffman
Jerry Lim, M.F.A. in Creative Visual Arts 2017, Untitled, from the series Kingdom (2011–present), 4" x 5" film negative, sizes variable. image / provided
Work by Jerry Lim
Kaleb Hunkele, M.F.A. in Creative Visual Arts 2018, Night Light (2017). image / provided
Work by Kaleb Hunkele
Na Chainkua Reindorf, M.F.A. in Creative Visual Arts 2017, Millennium Development Goals: Eradicate Extreme Poverty and Hunger (2014), digital photograph, 32" x 24". image / provided
Work by Na Chainkua Reindorf
Alex Jahani, M.F.A. in Creative Visual Arts 2018, Artifact (2016), acrylic and spray paint on wood panel, 14" x 11". image / provided
Work by Alex Jahani
Sophia Starling, M.F.A. in Creative Visual Arts 2019, Sophia Starling (M.F.A. '19) working on her piece Continuous Painting in Rand Hall. William Staffeld / AAP
Work by Sophia Starling
Layla Zubi, M.F.A. in Creative Visual Arts 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). image / provided
They Cannot Represent Themselves; They Must Be Represented
Richard Zimmerman, M.F.A. in Creative Visual Arts 2018, Untitled (2017), watercolor and gouache on paper, 15" x 11". image / provided
Work by Richard Zimmerman
Brice Peterson, M.F.A. in Creative Visual Arts 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
Work by Brice Peterson
Ciara Stack, M.F.A. in Creative Visual Arts 2020, Splinter Gum (2019), acrylic paint and pen on paper, 12" x 9". image / provided
Work by Ciara Stack
Christine McDonald, M.F.A. in Creative Visual Arts 2022, Steel Wool Overcoat exhibition (2021), installation view. image / provided
Work by Christine McDonald
Madeleine Cichy, M.F.A. 2017, Facial painting (blue) (2016), acrylic and dough, 8.5" x 11". image / provided
Work by Madeleine Cichy
Giselle Hobbs, M.F.A. in Creative Visual Arts 2023, Vital Fluid, exhibition view of Las venas de America (2022), oil on canvas, and Ñande Sy (2022), living moss. image / provided
Work by Giselle Hobbs
Shelby Johnson, M.F.A. in Creative Visual Arts 2023, Detail of Onion Moon (2022), animated gif. image / provided
Onion Moon by Shelby Johnson
Tessex
Tessex
The Poetics
The Poetics
Tammy 01
Tammy 01
One Long Black Sentence
One Long Black Sentence
Everything Must Go!
Everything Must Go!
2018 iTi Thesis Sampler
2018 iTi Thesis Sampler
Question Like a Face
Question Like a Face
Ursula
Ursula
Grind
Grind
Blue Pool Cecelia
Blue Pool Cecelia
2019 iTi Thesis Sampler
2019 iTi Thesis Sampler
A Picture Held Us Captive
A Picture Held Us Captive
Black Banal
Black Banal
Wood River Blue Pool + Blue Pool Cecelia
Wood River Blue Pool + Blue Pool Cecelia
Dark Archives
Dark Archives
My Birth
My Birth
TAKE THE SHIP APART
TAKE THE SHIP APART
Black Banal (Second Edition)
Black Banal (Second Edition)
M.F.A. in Image Text

Expanded + Integrated Creative Practices

The art department's new Master of Fine Arts in Image Text is a low-residency program that builds a rigorous, supportive community around expanded creative and critical practices in writing, visual media, and design for print and digital publication.

Read more about the M.F.A in Image Text program

Apply Now

Tessex
Tessex
The Poetics
The Poetics
Tammy 01
Tammy 01
One Long Black Sentence
One Long Black Sentence
Everything Must Go!
Everything Must Go!
2018 iTi Thesis Sampler
2018 iTi Thesis Sampler
Question Like a Face
Question Like a Face
Ursula
Ursula
Grind
Grind
Blue Pool Cecelia
Blue Pool Cecelia
2019 iTi Thesis Sampler
2019 iTi Thesis Sampler
A Picture Held Us Captive
A Picture Held Us Captive
Black Banal
Black Banal
Wood River Blue Pool + Blue Pool Cecelia
Wood River Blue Pool + Blue Pool Cecelia
Dark Archives
Dark Archives
My Birth
My Birth
TAKE THE SHIP APART
TAKE THE SHIP APART
Black Banal (Second Edition)
Black Banal (Second Edition)
Stories
View All Stories
In the Media
View All Mentions
Faculty Work
View All Faculty Work
Events
View All Events
Resources
Close overlay