"Annihilation" Inspired Artworks

Under the direction of Professor Nicholas Kalemba, Advanced Painting students respond visually to the award-winning novel “Annihilation” by Jeff VanderMeer. The compositions, painted with acrylics on canvas and wood panels, feature scenes, characters and themes inspired by the novel.

The exhibited paintings were created by UCF’s Advanced Painting students who visually responded to the novel and approached representing it in a multitude of ways, ranging from illustrative depictions to loose interpretations; all with the overarching goal of creating visual potent and psychologically penetrating works of art. Themes explored in the paintings parallel the novel by posing questions about the sublime vs. the mundane, objectivity vs. subjectivity and the persistence of nature. In this exhibition, painting students demonstrate the power of images inspired by powerful words.

Participating Students:

Liamel Cohen
Jeffrey Crow
Katianna Estima
Jaida Fessale
Celia Fraze
Nicholas Gantz
Thomas Hofmeyer
Joy Najjar
Ashley Nelson
Lucas Qualls
Ysabelle Rattray
Melissa Shan
Bethany Skena
Maximilian Young

Logos for UCF and Dr. Phillips Center
We extend particular gratitude to the staff and administration of Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts for their partnership over the past ten years.

Thank You to Our Supporters

Logos for LIFE at UCF, OUC The Reliable One, Florida Arts and Culture, Downtown Orlando, Rockley Family Foundation, and Sigma Alpha Iota Philanthropies Inc.

Sponsored in part by the State of Florida through the Division of Arts and Culture and the National Endowment for the Arts.

  • The Judith and David Albertson Endowment in the Arts
  • Cartwright Family Humanities & Arts Endowment
  • Phil and Jane Easterling
  • LIFE at UCF
  • Orlando Downtown Development Board
  • OUC – The Reliable One
  • Women’s Club at UCF, Inc.

Thank You to Our Festival Partners

  • Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
  • National Young Composers Challenge
  • Orlando Family Stage
  • Orlando Shakes
  • Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra
  • UCF College of Health Professions and Sciences
  • UCF Global Perspectives and International Initiatives
  • UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management
  • Winter Park Institute
  • WUCF