getting to know the graduates
Graduating Student: Maria Trujillo (S 21)
My process paper titled “The Animal Manifesto” reflects on my trajectory in the program and comes to terms with who I am as an artist and where I fit in the art world while advocating for animals. My graduate exhibition work titled, “Deceive”, manipulates the viewer’s eye and stimulates the idea of simulacrum. While taking the natural, authentic, and living element and associating it to preserve material produced to make the thing its imitating look authentic. The photos are of living landscapes and hand-made dioramas of preserved nature scapes.
Who, or what is your work in conversation with?
My work is in conversation with nature and animals. It is in conversation with the ongoing occurrences of animal cruelty and the inhumane acts humans partake against animals and the environment around us. I am working with animals, nature, and sometimes street art to get political or shed light on these topics.
My work is also in conversation with artists such as Alexis Rockman, Gregory Crewdson, Shepard Fairey, and Damien Hirst.
How did VCFA change your approach to thinking about your studio practice and your community at home?
VCFA helped me grow as an artist; it pushed my thinking of executing my piece in a space other than what I was used to for exhibiting my work. In addition, it changed my approach to materials, allowing me to try new mediums and techniques without feeling insecure. This confidence was something I brought back home to my community.
Who were your Artist-Mentors?
1st Semester – Adam Straus
2nd Semester – Patrick Grenier
3rd Semester – Tariku Shiferaw
4th Semester – Abbas Akhavan
What was on your play list during your time at VCFA?
Semester 1:
Semester 2:
Dead Posey – Don’t Stop the Devil
Jill Andrews – Tell That Devil
Semester 3:
Semester 4:
Who are your favorite protagonists in fiction?
Wynonna Earp, Nicole Haught, and Waverly Earp – Characters from the TV series Wynonna Earp
What, or who, would you like to be – if not yourself?
I would be a wolf.
What is your favorite bird?
My favorite bird is the Blue Jay.
Where do you live?
I live in South Bound Brook, New Jersey.
Matthew Gernt (S 21)
Anna Crow (S 21)