Art and identity are often understood as intertwined forces. For some artists, identity emerges through creating, while others draw upon a preexisting sense of self as the foundation of their practice. These approaches are evident in the works featured in this exhibition by Master of Fine Arts candidates from Miami University and the University of Cincinnati. Throughout their graduate studies, these artists have reflected on what it means to be human and the forces that shape individual identity.

Human identity develops through a complex network of relationships, experiences, and actions. The artists in States of Becoming: 2026 MFA Thesis Exhibition have explored these influences across diverse materials and mediums. Reimagined still lifes examine transitional objects, ceramic sculptures engage ancestral memory, and Persian miniature paintings reflect the experience of living between cultures. Other works foreground everyday, mundane moments; question societal expectations of motherhood; and address global material consumption of gold and technology.

Together, these works invite viewers to consider the elements that influence each state of personal becoming.

Join us for the Opening reception on Friday, February 20th from 5-8pm. The students will discuss their works in the gallery on Saturday, March 7th starting at 2pm.

Artists in the exhibition include: Bubly Barna, De-Graft Boateng, Sea Dax, Noelle Hemrich, Kyle Salandy, and Fatemeh Shekarforoush.

CAC major annual operating support is provided by ArtsWave, the estate of Henrietta Barlag, Lucinda Barnes, Bartlett Wealth Management, Gale + Dave Beckett, Bruce Family Charitable Foundation, Robert + Debra Chavez, Jay Chatterjee, James A. Cheng, Michael Cioffi + Monteverdi Tuscany, DaSci Consulting Group LLC, Nicholas Dunigan, Dianne G. Dunkelman, Jr., Fort Washington Investment Advisors Inc., Friedlander Family Fund, Amy Goodwin, Greater Cincinnati Foundation, Andrew Howe Family Foundation, The Johnson Foundation, The Kaplan-Privitera Charitable Fund, Dr. Marcia Kaplan + Dr. Michael Privitera, Kettering Family Philanthropies, Claudia Kohlman, Earthward Bound Foundation, Emily Kokenge + David Kitchings, The Kroger Company, George + Linda Kurz, Bruce Lazarus + Phil Weintraub, Patrick Mathews, Rick Michelman + Karen Meyer, The Northern Trust Company, The Ohio Arts Council, Denise Osterhues, The P&G Fund of The Greater Cincinnati Foundation, Renaissance Charitable Foundation, The Rosenthal Family Foundation, Thomas R. Schiff, John J. + Mary R. Schiff Foundation, Rosemary + Mark Schlachter, Stuart + Roz Schloss, Brian Sedra, Mu Sinclaire, Mary Taliaferro, Sara + Michelle Vance Waddell, and Chris Varias.

Curated by

This exhibition is organized by the Contemporary Arts Center in partnership with Miami University and the University of Cincinnati.