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The LU Department of Art and Design invites you to join them for “Against the Grain,” the Fall 2021 senior thesis show in which art students fulfill the requirements for their degree by presenting their thesis projects. “Against the Grain” will be in exhibition through Dec. 18 at the Dishman Art Museum.

“Against the Grain” features work from nine students: Vanessa Acuna, Christina Ammel, Sierra Davis, Thomas Duran, Stanleigh Guillory, N’Namdi Jones, Vera Kasianchik, Benjamin Lane and Taylor Wells.

Among many works, viewers can expect to see “Grandma’s Tea,” a series of mixed media illustrations by Kasianchik for a picture book based on the artist’s family memories.

“This thesis explores the potential of a picture book as a vehicle for a personal narrative illustrating childhood memories and stories told by my mother over a cup of tea back in Russia. Along with other forthcoming illustrations, they will form a picture book that will give my daughter a glimpse into her background. The concept of this project was initiated at the height of the pandemic when disconnection, isolation and fear of loss brought to light the fragility of human connections. This picture book is meant to preserve both my heritage and artistic vision for my daughter who still is not able to meet her grandmother,” said Kasianchik. “The theme of tea, which is an integral part of Russian culture, is used to symbolize the intergenerational connection while acting as a vehicle for storytelling. Two of the presented works are introductory, setting the ambience for storytelling, and the other three illustrate parts of the narrative itself. I chose to use traditional media over digital to preserve a human touch. For the same reason, I welcome the imperfections of craftsmanship. The illustration style echoes books from my own childhood. The stories are short and simple, they are merely vignettes that introduce the older members of the family who lived in different circumstances in another country.”

Admission to the Dishman Art Museum is free of charge and open to the public. Free museum-dedicated parking is available in front of the Dishman during museum hours. For more information about “Against the Grain” or the Department of Art and Design, please visit lamar.edu/art.