Fashion and visual art are included in Otis College’s virtual art show. (photo by Andrew Hylton/courtesy of Otis College)

Following the success of the 2021 Virtually Cool Fashion Show and Scholarship Benefit on May 8, which raised funds to provide over 50 first-generation student scholarships, Otis College of Art and Design has launched the second virtual iteration of its annual exhibition for graduating undergraduate and graduate students in 2021. The exhibition may be viewed at annual-exhibition.otis.edu.

The 2021 annual exhibition website features fashion designs that were originally shown at Virtually Cool, including student work developed as part of a mentorship program with major fashion and entertainment industry figures like B. Akerlund, Ruth Carter and Vivienne Hu.

In addition, academic undergraduate departments such as fine arts, digital media, communication arts, architecture/landscape/interiors, product design and toy design also display work from graduating students, along with graduate programs in fine arts, graphic design and writing. This virtual exhibition follows the campus closure last spring due to the COVID-19 pandemic, offering students the challenge to work more innovatively and creatively than they have done before.

(photo by Andrew Hylton/courtesy of Otis College)

Particularly noteworthy are graduating students from the master of fine arts program, whose work encompasses themes addressing concerns of social upheaval, assimilation and the emphasized role of digital connectivity during a period of prolonged social distancing. Artwork portfolios by MFA students are displayed along the same portfolio standards required in the professional visual arts field.

“We saw it as an opportunity to support our students in preparing them and their practice for a world that will be more comfortable than ever to exist virtually,” said Kathrin Burmester, interim chair of the MFA program.

A series of virtual events will take place throughout May and early June, including industry nights with art professionals, a rebroadcast of the fashion show and award ceremonies celebrating Otis College’s BFA and MFA students, including a commencement address by Los Angeles artist Lauren Halsey on May 15.