Two graduate students and one undergraduate student have been awarded a $300 scholarship for their exceptional research and creative work.
The Student Scholar Symposium, held during UCF Research Week, offers both graduate and undergraduate students the opportunity to present their research and creative scholarship in poster format. Participants are judged based on the quality of their poster and their ability to speak about their research. A total of 119 projects were awarded, with three awarded to UCF School of Visual Arts and Design students.
The winners are:
Undergraduate Winner
Francesca La Madrid
Research: Disability in Baroque: Representation and Perception in Art
Mentor: Dr. Ilenia Colón Mendoza
Can you describe your research project?
My research project is about disability representation in relation to its perception during the seventeenth century Baroque art period. I discuss one artwork by each artist – Jusepe de Ribera, Diego Rodríguez de Silva Velázquez and Gian Lorenzo Bernini – to explore how these representations on disabilities depict realism and human vulnerability. This helps us gain a greater understanding that the incapable was capable, but based on their representations, were limited amongst an ableist society. Through my research it has been discovered the church uses certain disabilities to their advantage to connect with a greater audience’s goal towards salvation.
What inspired you to explore the representation and perception of disability in Baroque art?
I was inspired to research and write about this topic because of the continual need for it in modern society. As someone with a disability, it was a cathartic experience. Representation of marginalized groups is important as it removes stigmatization and desensitizes society not regularly exposed to differences, while at the same time can make someone feel seen, accepted and valued for their limitations.
Walk through the process of creating your poster and presenting your research.
At first, it was stressful when reading about the specifications of the layout and font sizes. However, once that part was established, it was fun to explore minimal creative design that wouldn’t be too distracting to the subject but complemented it. Also, presenting the poster was much easier than I anticipated. I was truly passionate and proud of my work, so presenting felt more like enlightening others about art history, which made my heart happy and inevitably removed pressure.
What was the most rewarding part of participating in the Student Scholar Symposium?
The most rewarding part, aside from being awarded, was seeing people drawn to my poster design. People were willing to listen to something I find very interesting. I loved the conversations it sparked, and I actively saw perspectives shift to a different approach toward the viewing of art. I believe through this analyzation of art, it will inspire others to look at life and people with disabilities a bit differently, which is a long-term goal of mine.
How did having Dr. Ilenia Colón Mendoza as your mentor influence your research and decision-making?
I’ve had several classes with Dr. Ilenia Colón Mendoza, and from the very beginning, she has supported me every step of the way. She was always willing to offer resources and her time, which I valued immensely. Dr. Colón is a very passionate professor and always encouraged me to explore what means the most to me. She gave me a lot of freedom and helped guide me in the right direction with her recommended readings and exploration of certain artworks.
Graduate Winners
Kenyari Gil Rosario
Research: Finding through Feeling: Experiencing the Spectrum of Mental Health through Art and Polite Humor
Mentor: Jason Burrell, MFA
Can you describe your research project?
My research project is about disability representation in relation to its perception during the seventeenth century Baroque art period. I discuss one artwork by each artist – Jusepe de Ribera, Diego Rodríguez de Silva Velázquez and Gian Lorenzo Bernini – to explore how these representations on disabilities depict realism and human vulnerability. This helps us gain a greater understanding that the incapable was capable, but based on their representations, were limited amongst an ableist society. Through my research it has been discovered the church uses certain disabilities to their advantage to connect with a greater audience’s goal towards salvation.
What inspired you to explore the representation and perception of disability in Baroque art?
I was inspired to research and write about this topic because of the continual need for it in modern society. As someone with a disability, it was a cathartic experience. Representation of marginalized groups is important as it removes stigmatization and desensitizes society not regularly exposed to differences, while at the same time can make someone feel seen, accepted and valued for their limitations.
Walk through the process of creating your poster and presenting your research.
At first, it was stressful when reading about the specifications of the layout and font sizes. However, once that part was established, it was fun to explore minimal creative design that wouldn’t be too distracting to the subject but complemented it. Also, presenting the poster was much easier than I anticipated. I was truly passionate and proud of my work, so presenting felt more like enlightening others about art history, which made my heart happy and inevitably removed pressure.
What was the most rewarding part of participating in the Student Scholar Symposium?
The most rewarding part, aside from being awarded, was seeing people drawn to my poster design. People were willing to listen to something I find very interesting. I loved the conversations it sparked, and I actively saw perspectives shift to a different approach toward the viewing of art. I believe through this analyzation of art, it will inspire others to look at life and people with disabilities a bit differently, which is a long-term goal of mine.
How did having Dr. Ilenia Colón Mendoza as your mentor influence your research and decision-making?
I’ve had several classes with Dr. Ilenia Colón Mendoza, and from the very beginning, she has supported me every step of the way. She was always willing to offer resources and her time, which I valued immensely. Dr. Colón is a very passionate professor and always encouraged me to explore what means the most to me. She gave me a lot of freedom and helped guide me in the right direction with her recommended readings and exploration of certain artworks.
Stacie Becker
Research: A Visual Exploration of the Impact of Societal Norms on Individuality
Mentor: Jason Burrell, MFA
Can you briefly describe your research project?
My research explores how societal norms interact and counteract one’s individuality. I use color, symbolism, repetition and psychological theories of individuation in my visual art to investigate the boundaries of these norms and the social consequences or benefits that arise when one breaches the perimeters.
What inspired you to investigate the impact of societal norms on individuality through visual art?
As a tattoo artist and heavily tattooed female, I have experienced some social consequences and benefits of being outside societal norms. I wanted to create a conversation about these assumptions we make as individuals and as a society about ourselves and each other. How would we develop as individuals if we didn’t feel the pressure of these norms? What kind of problems could we solve if we allowed ourselves to think independently of societal expectations?
Walk through the process of creating your poster and presenting your research.
As an artist, I knew I wanted my poster to be visually stimulating for the viewer. I wanted the poster to stand out with my color palette while still remaining relevant to my work. It was important to include the paintings I created as images in the poster, as they are the data for my research and show the audience examples of the symbols, color, and repetition I talk about in the poster’s text.
What was the most rewarding part of participating in the Student Scholar Symposium?
It was amazing to see all the great work being done at UCF. We are surrounded by such bright minds! I am so proud to be a part of this research community.
How did having Jason Burrell, MFA as your mentor influence your research and decision-making?
Jason is such a positive influence in my day-to-day at UCF and was especially helpful for this project. He knows how to ask tough questions to get me thinking in new directions and to challenge my current ways of thinking. He’s always there when I need advice on writing, art making, or general life questions. Everyone needs a Jason in their lives.
Check out the complete list of winners from across the university HERE.