School of Visual Arts (SVA) presents “2023 Animation Celebration Exhibition,” an exhibition of films, posters, and puppets by students in the BFA Animation class of 2023. The exhibition will be on view from Friday May 12, through Tuesday, June 6, at the SVA Flatiron Windows and the Flatiron Project Space, 133 W 21 Street, New York City.

This exhibition celebrates the creativity of BFA Animation graduates who are about to embark on their careers beyond SVA. Their thesis films and posters explore themes such as artistic struggles, gender identity, grief, and the paranormal. Highlights from the exhibition include the following:

Izzy Delore’s VISUAL CAPTURE looks at a bitter and pretentious grad student who funnels their energy into the creation of a new being. Initially a product of their own mind, the creation begins to develop its own identity and takes physical form, becoming its own person and transcending its creator’s impact on the world. Unable to come to terms with their predicament, the creator seeks to destroy their masterpiece.

Zev Frank’s Reflection showcases how a transgender man with a gender dysphoria-induced aversion to mirrors travels through a manifestation of his fears and insecurities.

Julia Campisi and Ricardo Penaranda’s A Message in Carnations follows a young girl named Para who avoids saying goodbye to her late grandmother. During a festive city celebration, Para meets a mysterious stranger who reminds her she cannot keep hiding from her grief.

Emily Zullo’s in the interim follows a girl who takes the bus to her middle school in the morning. While lamenting her own struggles, she begins to hear the ones of those around her, too.

The BFA Animation program’s creative environment allows students to use the art form of 2D animation and imagination to tell stories with a unique vision, style and intent. Students in the program are challenged to be curious and open to collaboration and experimentation, while following the high standards of academic performance and professionalism. The curriculum – taught by industry professionals – covers all aspects of the production pipeline, from ideation to completion including creating, directing and producing individually and collaboratively.

The SVA Flatiron Gallery is open Monday through Saturday, 10:00am– 6:00pm. Masks are encouraged but not required.