A Steel Plant Exhibition Truly YOUnique

Diana Kazarian '24 setting up the gallery room in preperation for opening day. Photo Courtesy: Diana Kazarian '24

Steel Plant’s art gallery currently holds its first-ever fully student-curated exhibition titled ‘YOUnique.’ Diana Kazarian ‘24, an international student from Moscow, Russia, worked closely with Marist College’s art department faculty members and students to create a truly unique show.

“This exhibition was always going to be a faculty showcase. I had the idea of showing students work alongside faculty to emphasize our creative community, that we are not separated but rather are one here at Marist,” said Kazarian. “With that idea, it felt right to include student works inspired by some of the faculty pieces to represent the ever-growing teaching environment in the art department.”

A student participation session was held on Oct. 11 in the Steel Plant, where four pieces of faculty work were displayed for student inspiration. Students were encouraged to look at these pieces and develop their own creations that could be displayed in the exhibition. 

“We had a lot of student works, way more than I expected, so my choices for the show had to be narrowed down significantly based on the aesthetics and meaning behind the piece,” said Kazarian. “I viewed them as independent artworks and picked based on if a piece would fit the show's concept.” 

Kazarian also had to be deliberate when picking faculty contributions alongside student works, as many submitted more than one.

“I supplied [Kazarian] with five different works; I decided to showcase my latest drawings [and two were selected],” said Dr. Malgorzata Oakes, assistant professor of studio art. “I picked these because I figured they were something that would benefit the exhibition but also bring something else to the table.”

The exhibition features 2D, as well as 3D works, something that Kazarian felt, was necessary for her first-time curation.

“I had a class with Ed Smith, and that was the point where I fell in love with 3D work and sculpture. I think [3D works are] very interesting to work with and especially as a curator because it is a very different approach compared to 2D work like paintings.”

“[Kazarian] has a foot firmly in 3D work, which is rare for a young curator, as well as 2D work, and her third foot, if you will, is in the digital world, so she is a triple threat,” said Ed Smith, professor of art and Steel Plant Gallery director. “She is going to be a huge success.” 

Kazarian will be using this opportunity to apply to graduate schools in London, England, where she will be studying curation next fall. “[Kazarian] has everything that’s necessary for a young curator,” said Smith. “She’s got the brains, the looks, the intelligence, the determination, and a world view.”

“The fresh approach that comes from working with a student curator is great,” said Oakes. “[Kazarian’s] idea and concept of working collectively was something that I liked a lot. I think that it’s so important for us to work together collectively and not just as professors and students.” 

The exhibition will be open until Saturday, Dec. 2, and Kazarian will give guided tours every Wednesday from 12:30-2 p.m.