BOSTON UNIVERSITY MFA 2025 EXHIBITION
I am pleased to introduce the Boston University School of Visual Arts Class of 2025 Master of Fine Arts thesis catalog featuring work by graduating students in the MFA programs in Graphic Design, Painting, Sculpture, Print Media & Photography, and Visual Narrative.
The 2025 MFA Thesis Exhibition at the School of Visual Arts at Boston University is not a culmination, but it marks a transition—a launching point between graduate study and a sustained professional practice. For students beginning their two-year Master of Fine Arts programs, the capstone thesis is often (mis)perceived as a conclusion of their artistic development. While it marks the completion of one of the most intensive periods of collaboration, research, experimentation, and critique, it is ultimately the beginning of new inquiries, connections, and opportunities.
The work presented by SVA’s MFA students in Graphic Design, Painting, Sculpture, Print Media & Photography, and Visual Narrative reflects not only the rigorous training and conceptual development fostered at BU, but also each artist’s ability to engage through their medium with the world around them. The work we see represents two years of collaborative dialogue with faculty, peers, and critics. Situated within the College of Fine Arts’ rich artistic community—one that, in turn, is embedded in Boston’s vibrant artistic community—the exhibition serves as a bridge to the broader art world, where these emerging artists will continue refining their voices, building networks, and navigating the complexities of sustaining a creative life. Rather than an endpoint, this exhibition marks the beginning of a lifelong commitment to artmaking, one that will evolve through experience, risk, and dedication.
On behalf of SVA, I want to especially thank Professor Sleboda for his mentorship in overseeing this catalog and thesis identity, created in partnership with his MFA graphic design students. Sincere thanks to current MFA program chairs Kristen Coogan, Rina Goldfield, J. M. Howey, E. T. Tubergen, Lynne Allen, and Joel Gill, along with Director of Graduate Studies Nick Rock, for their leadership roles in graduate studies and the collaborative learning environments that you have engendered for our students. I am also grateful to all of the faculty who have worked directly with our graduate students. Thank you to Dean Harvey Young for his leadership and to Boston University Art Galleries Director Lissa Cramer for her partnership and assistance in professionally preparing our students. Lastly, a huge thank you to the SVA staff: Josh Brennan, Nerissa Cooney, Jessica Caccamo, Jesse Finkelstein, Mackenzie Hill, Sam Thomas, Gus Wheeler, Beth Zerega, and Logen Zimmerman who not only ensure that the thesis process runs smoothly but that everything we do throughout the busy year happens in a timely and professional manner. Together we congratulate the MFA Class of 2025 for their extraordinary work, and we look forward to following your future contributions to the fields of contemporary art and design.
—Marc Schepens, Director, School of Visual Arts
Lynne Allen, Professor of Art, Printmaking
Kristen Coogan, Associate Professor of Art, Graphic Design
Deborah Cornell, Professor of Art, Printmaking
Rina Goldfield, Lecturer in Art, Painting
Joel Christian Gill, Associate Professor of Art, Visual Narrative
E.E. Ikeler, Lecturer in Art, Painting
Toni Pepe, Assistant Professor of Art, Photography
Christopher Sleboda, Associate Professor of Art, Graphic Design
E Tubergen, Assistant Professor of Art, Sculpture
Lissa Cramer, Director, Boston University Art Galleries
Gus Wheeler, Technical Associate, Sculpture & Painting
Nerissa Cooney, Programming & Media Manager, School of Visual Arts
Designed by Amanda Mundy, Caitlin Lu, Erica Pritchett, and Lucy Ye
Faculty Advisor: Christopher Sleboda, Associate Professor of Art, Graphic Design
STONE GALLERY
Tues-Sat, 11 am-5 pm
808 GALLER Tues-Sat, 11 am-5 pm
GRAPHIC DESIGN
PAINTING
PRINT MEDIA & PHOTOGRAPHY
SCULPTURE
VISUAL NARRATIVE