2023 Senior Thesis Art Show Looks ‘Through It All’

In their senior year, Whitman College’s Studio Art majors conclude their studies with a final thesis exhibition in the Sheehan Gallery.

The Class of 2023 included 16 artists displaying their work, “Through It All.” The gallery show opened in April and closed on the Sunday of the artists' Commencement. 

Emily Somoskey, the Johnston Visiting Assistant Professor of Art and Senior Thesis Advisor, points out the depth and complexity of the artwork and show as a whole. 

“They’ve put together an exhibition full of deeply thoughtful and strong work, which would be impressive regardless of the circumstances, but especially so when considering all they’ve encountered over the past four years,” Somoskey says.

The work of each student tells their story. But Somoskey points out that the collaboration as a group shows up in the exhibition as well.

“As a group, their work challenges us to collectively open up, to move beyond our preconceived ideas of what we think we know our world to be—and allows us to see that it is much more complex that we can ever fully know as an individual,” she says.

A Year’s Work

“Although they have made it through it all—through all of their required coursework, through all of the late nights and early mornings in the studio this past year has called for, through all of their critiques, discussions and presentations—this is not an end,” Somoskey says.

“This exhibition, and the past four years, marks the beginning of so many new endeavors, creative projects and a lifetime of meaningful engagement in the world.” 

More photos and full artists’ statements are available on the exhibition’s website.