Student Artwork Submissions
Please fill out our Student Artwork submission form to display your artwork in the Student Union!
Student Spotlight
Jae Scott
Kurosawa
(2023)
Acrylic Paint
I was inspired by my appreciation for old films from the Japanese director Akira Kurosawa.
An Imperfect Star
(2023)
Acrylic Paint
At the time of looking for inspiration, I went outside and saw a shooting star after a while. I began to think of the connection between humans and the bright meteor. And how we give meaning to shooting stars to grant wishes. To me, the star is not perfect but tries its best to shine elegantly. And we are able to achieve our greatest wishes and dreams if we put the effort to shine our best in life.
Love/work: Locked in
(2023)
This piece was inspired off of my desire to grow and get better at my career through the university; it features a variety of my in-class notes that I took throughout my 5 years here and surrounds an eye figure constructed with painted rice that represents my growth and intent to stay focused to achieve my goals.
Ashley Martinez Alvarez
Synchronicity
(2023)
The name of my piece is "Synchronicity." It was created this year in April. Synchronicity was painted with Acrylic paint on a round piece of wood. I also used flat-back gems on the piece. When I first thought of this piece, it was last year, 2022. This is a similar version of my other work named "The Reunion."... I gave this piece its own name because it is still a unique piece. My art greatly reflects what I go through in my life. This piece, along with my other piece, "The Reunion," reflects my journey in finding and healing my inner child. This piece speaks explicitly about the meeting between the older and younger versions of oneself.
The setting in this painting is a magical land, one that is hard to access. At the bottom, there is a pond. In this pond, there are two figures. Each of the figures has strings; each of the strings is either painted or made with gems. The small figure on the left is a child, the younger and hurt version on the right. The figure on the right, a much older version, knows who and what that younger version has gone through, so it places its hand upon the head of the kneeling child. Upon this, the strings appear. They reflect the divine timing and the healing process of both figures.
"Synchronicity" is the moment before my next piece, "The Reunion." What I want my audience to understand is as we grow older, we often forget we were once children with hopes and dreams. Although those dreams and hopes have changed, they will always be a smaller, younger version of us to thank. One that keeps us going. The younger version of ourselves might be hurt, but without them, we wouldn't be where we are today.
Our First Life, I Will Always Love You
16 x 20 in.
Acrylic on Canvas
The work describes the story behind two newly born souls. The moment they sensed each other's soul, they knew they wanted to spend every life they could together. They became eternal soulmates.
Hasani Cannon
Lukasa (Memory Board)
(2022)
The piece is an abstract self-portrait in the shape of a Lukasa or a memory board, using recycled material as mnemonic devices for a particular point in the artist's history.
Oba
(2022)
Oba means "ruler" in the Yoruba and Bini languages of West Africa. The piece depicts an Oba surrounded by trash and discarded material in the shape of a pillar.
Savannah Saltsgaver
Hats Off to Lincoln
20 x 24 inches
(2023)
Acrylic Paint on Mixed Media Paper
This work was created for and won 3rd place for the Capital City Visitor Cover Art Contest in Springfield, IL in 2023. Featured in this work is Abraham Lincoln tipping his hat to the signature staples of Springfield, Illinois such as our white-tailed deer, cardinals, and Lincoln's house.
Hydrangeas
20 x 24 inches
(2021)
Acrylic Paint, Piping Bags, Mixed Media
This piece was created by piping an acrylic paint paste onto a canvas to create a large Hydrangea on a two-dimensional surface, as if it was cut rectangular out from a huge bush and hung on a wall.
Oluwatobi Akinroluko
IRORA
(2022)
This piece was an exploration of Nigerian Mythology referencing Greek Mythology, Irora means pain in the Yoruba language and this work seeks to understand and connect the significance of pain in human existence.
The Sitting Man
(2021)
This piece was the catalyst to embracing and seriously expressing my skill as an artist. This work acts as a point of reflection towards my identity in general. I had an urge to create something more presentable between semesters at school especially after meeting someone who shared my culture and who I consider a big art advocate in the Minneapolis art scene. I credit him as my muse for this piece.
If anyone wants to see more of my work, I have an art page on Instagram @madebytobs
Samy Iverson
Watching the Blue Angels
(2021)
Lake Springfield Island
(2021)
Samy was a UIS student who passed away in July of 2023. He was the heart of campus and was loved by all. He viewed his decision to come to UIS as “the best choice he’s ever made.” Samy loved to photograph wherever he lived - these two photos represent how he viewed Springfield.