Written by Kay Heino

In the MCAD Library we have an interactive installation art work created by Anda Tanaka ’22 and Genie Hien Tran ’22. The name of this exhibition is called I’ll Meet U There. It’s filled with many different mediums ranging from fibers, ceramics, drawings, paintings, installations and even a Dinosaur! This installation was very freeing , and felt organically arranged. The installation showed the importance of play while also showing the benefits of working as a collaboration. I was lucky enough to ask Anda questions about this process of collaboration and about the installation they both contributed to. Below I will share this virtual exchange of information. 

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KAY:

Hello can you introduce yourself and what your art practice entails?

ANDA:

Hello! My name is Anda and I am a 2nd year MFA student at MCAD. I have a multidisciplinary art practice guided by my conception of the studio as a microcosmic ecosystem. Within this ecosystem I work with media including drawing, printmaking, collage, papermaking, and inkmaking.

KAY:

As a second year student is there any advice you can give about the process of getting a group show together? 

ANDA:

I would like to lift up Genie as the person who had the idea to do a collaborative show. The way our relationship began was through papermaking. So, one piece of advice is to take a class or create a scheduled activity with someone you are interested in collaborating with. That way you already start your project having created ways of working together.

KAY:

Can you speak a little about the meaning behind the title of the show?

ANDA:

This title reflects both the fun and vulnerability involved in any friendship and collaboration. It is written in text-speak, so on one hand, it can be read as a simple message. On the other hand, it can be read as a metaphor for meeting in the middle within the context of a relationship. It speaks to the commitment and trust that is involved in collaborating as artist-friends. It also relates to one element of the show which is a paper chain of every text we have ever sent to each other.

KAY:

For yourself can you speak a little about the art you contributed to the art show? There are a lot of different materials and I’m interested to hear about how you decide what materials to use for what.

ANDA:

We approached this show as an experimentation in different types of collaboration. For the hanging fabric piece we worked on the same surface simultaneously. The drawing grid comes out of creating a set of parameters and then both following them independently. The cyanotype piece is an example of two works that are pushed together into the same space (the cyanotypes, which Genie made, and the shelves with the pots, which I made). Therefore, our material decisions were made in large part based on the type of collaboration. For example, to both simultaneously work on the same surface, we needed to use a fairly large surface such as fabric.

KAY:

For the show is there anything special you’d like to share about one piece you made and contributed? I feel everyone who makes installation art has a part of an installation created. What’s Your Favorite part?

ANDA:

My favorite part of this show is the way that it fits into the specific space of the library. The back wall of the space is very unique, with all of the little nooks created by the building blocks. If you look closely, there are small objects that draw attention to that architectural attribute. I also enjoy the space created by the banner- it is an installation that is comfortable, in my opinion. Somewhere you can sit down and read and not feel like you are on display or surrounded by preciousness.

KAY:

As a closer I have two questions for you. 

Do you have any big plans coming up? Ex. Group shows, exhibitions, or fellowships?

ANDA:

My biggest plan is thesis exhibition! I also have work up at SooVAC 2/26-3/26. And I am on a panel for a juried show I am taking part in at the Octagon Center for the Arts in my hometown of Ames, Iowa. This summer I received a fellowship to take a course at Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts.

KAY:

And do you have any advice for second year students revolving around shows or the program ? 

ANDA:

My advice is to be very intentional and careful about which opportunities you apply for. Make sure they are feeding you and serving you in the long run. In my opinion thesis should be the priority during 2nd year, so be careful what you say yes and no to. Lots of opportunities occur on an annual basis, so if you are unable to apply this year, add it to a spreadsheet of opportunities you would like to apply for someday, and you can refer back when you have space to do so in your life.