Arts and Humanities People and Community

The Wynwood Gallery displays University students’ artistry

An online exhibit spotlights the talents of two University of Miami incoming Master of Fine Arts graduate students.
The Department of Art and Art History in the College of Arts & Sciences presents the work of incoming Master of Fine Arts graduate students.

Rachel Alderton believes wrinkles tell a story about a person’s life. 

“Wrinkles are a physical condition relaying some of the rawest forms of personal character outwardly seen on an individual and are created with age by repetitive movements,” she said. “I enjoy witnessing this physical expression of emotion and did my best to portray it in many, if not all, of my work in this exhibit.”

Rachel Alderton
Alderton

As a printmaker, Alderton’s biggest motivation is to visually explore the mystery of the human condition which is displayed in the Wynwood Gallery’s online 2020 Incoming Graduate Student Exhibition by the Department of Art and Art History in the University of Miami College of Arts and Sciences.

She explains that her love for psychology fuels her fascination in understanding how humans emotionally function. With a bachelor's degree in psychology, she strives to focus a lot of her work with the human figure and portraiture. 

“I have a fascination with the physical, intellectual, and emotional facets we all possess. As my art has grown, I have become most obsessed with wrinkles and psychological motivations,” said Alderton.

Anthony Magnetti is another incoming graduate student who is being featured in the Wynwood Gallery’s online exhibition. As a past wildland firefighter and timber faller in Ogden, Utah, he finds a lot of inspiration from the industrial uses that ceramics offer.

Anthony Magnetti
Magnetti

“I like referencing antique ceramic insulators I find in trees for telegraph wires and power lines,” said Magnetti. He even uses underground clay pipes that are usually used for sewage and even clay tiles, which are often found on roofs. “They are all simple in design but offer so much as a starting point for a voice and an idea,” he explained.

Magnetti said his collection spans five years of work which deals with the idea of energy.

“They are a collection of work where I use the internal atmosphere of a kiln to alter the surface of the clay. Like the ceramic insulators I find in the woods, I wanted to make pieces that have properties of insulating or containing energy,” he said.

He finds a lot of similarities between the two very different career paths he has chosen.

“With forestry work, I felled trees, fought fires, and I assisted in running a 20-person fire crew. For art, I felled trees to feed the fire in the kiln. Both fields have engaged hard workers, and both are extremely enjoyable to be a part of,” said Magnetti.

Both artists are looking forward to starting their journey at the University of Miami.

“I really enjoy being in an environment where I am able to meet and hear from other artists. Any time I can develop my personal knowledge and skills while understanding others, I am enjoying myself. It is incredible to be surrounded by so many creative minds and passionate people who respect each other’s talents,” said Alderton. 

“I'm honored to have been accepted to the University of Miami and to get to represent my new school for the first time in this exhibit. I can’t wait to learn from different professors, from new peers, and use a new studio with different tools,” said Magnetti. 

Go here to view the online exhibit.