Joanna Silver thesis exhibition: 'What American Dream?'

Presenting her master’s thesis exhibition What American Dream?, Joanna Silver (M.F.A. painting) debuts paintings and prints as well as textile and wallpaper installations that capture remnants of the past, showcasing a waning era of American idealism. Inspired by her own memories, experiences, and personal photo diaries, Silver creates nostalgic domestic scenes often in states of disrepair, from crumbling 20th-century tile and kitchen pantries with fading wallpaper to abandoned outdoor children’s playhouses. These depictions stand in stark contrast to the lives of previous generations who were able to reach the idealized traditional milestones of adulthood — career success, marriage, homeownership, and starting a family — offering a new reality for current and future generations where these social expectations become increasingly unattainable. Imbued with bright, vibrant patterns and paired with floral imagery, Silver’s works astutely evoke the oscillating feelings of disappointment and unwavering hope that both shape the human experience and define today’s sentiments toward the “American Dream.”

Opening reception: Thursday, March 27, 5–7 p.m.