Surfacing: A Trio of Exhibitions by MUSE Faculty and Students

The trio of exhibitions draw attention to ideas, individuals, and cultural and artistic forms that are worthy of further examination. They merit surfacing. 

Transgressive: From the Guerrilla Girls to Pussy Riot

Curated by RIT Museum Studies Program Director Juilee Decker, Transgressive: From the Guerrilla Girls to Pussy Riot presents cartoons, posters, and prints from both of these feminist, activist collectives. Demonstrating their ability to go beyond mere dart-throwing, the works on view do more than target individuals and institutions: they draw attention to issues, invite viewers to ask “why” injustices persist, and seek to affect change. Visitors to the exhibition will also have the opportunity to create and display their own protest art as a means of surfacing transgressions. This exhibition has been developed in collaboration with MCC Gallery Director Jason Flack and RIT City Art Space Director John Aäsp.

Jerrold Smith: The Student, The Craftsman, The Drifter

Gabriella Smith (class of 2025) presents “Jerrold Smith: The Student, The Craftsman, The Drifter” which aims to recover the life and work of jeweler and designer Jerrold B. Smith (1941-1986) who attended, and subsequently taught at, RIT’s School for American Crafts before launching his design career with RayBan.

Ruffles and Rebellion: An Unveiling of Lolita Fashion

Carolyn Lee (class of 2025) presents “Ruffles and Rebellion: An Unveiling of Lolita Fashion” which examines a complex, misunderstood, and (on occasion) extravagant fashion involving Victorian-silhouetted dresses, playful pastel prints, and a lifestyle that ultimately intersects with feminism.