Select Page

First-year students working to decolonize art history

“Works of art history should not be forgotten but instead emphasized within a wider context that might begin to dismantle our society’s engrained western notions of postcolonial nationalism,” said Emily Beall ’24 in a video project presentation. 

Beall was among 250 MIAD first-year students in the spring 2020 semester who looked beyond the scope of Western aesthetics and embarked on independent research projects on decolonizing art history. 

The class project was inspired by painter, sculptor and activist Titus Kaphar, who presented a public MIAD Creativity Series talk in February 2020 about confronting the history and canon of Western art. Kaphar also met with MIAD first-year students and Milwaukee Public School high school students to inspire them to reimagine history and literally paint a more inclusive picture. 

MIAD students analyzed contemporary artwork that rejects Western thoughts or analyzed the story of a historical piece using methodologies such as the critical race theory and postcolonial theory. Here are four of the students’ video presentations showcasing their research: 

Liam Hoey-Kummerow Presentation Image

Liam Hoey-Kummerow’s presentation on Sam Durant’s “Scaffold”

Mikayla Kaufman Presentation image

Mikayla Kaufman’s presentation on Linda Infante Lyons

Emily Beall Presentation Image

Emily Beall’s presentation on Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres’ “Turkish Bath”

Adam Fehring Presentation Image

Adam Fehring’s presentation on Kehinde Wiley

While at MIAD, Kaphar also engaged in conversations about decolonizing MIAD’s curriculum. 

Kaphar is well-known for his TED Talk “Can Art Amend History?” Recently, Kaphar created TIME Magazine’s June 2020 cover and for the first time in history TIME’s signature red border was changed to include the names of 35 victims of police violence. Every purchase of the cover benefits Black-led organizations committed to advancing justice. Learn more. 

News

Two MIAD students finalists for Grilled Cheese Grant

The ninth annual Grilled Cheese Grant finalists include two Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) students: Stella Kowalski ’24 (Fine Art + New Studio Practice, Illustration) and Makenna Schibler ’25 (Fine Art + NSP). They are two of five finalists who are in the running for the crowd-funded grant.

Artist Talks provide MIAD student experience in museum world

For Stella Koslowski ’24, presenting at the Art Institute of Chicago during University Partner Fest 2024 “is a great way for students to gain experience in the museum world because it takes your research to a more professional setting and encourages you to have discussions with new people.”

MIAD seniors receive 2024 Alumni Senior Thesis Awards

Thanks to the generosity of alumni, faculty, staff and friends of the college, the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) will award $5,328 to 27 seniors to directly support the fabrication and installation of their senior exhibition capstone projects. Through the application process, students submit plans and sketches for their final project, as well as a budget for materials. Winners were selected by a panel of a record 54 MIAD alumni with experience in fine art and design career fields.

Overture Center gallery hosts MIAD alumni

Two alumni from the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) are exhibiting work at Madison’s Overture Center. Cassandra Smith ’06 (Sculpture) and Stacey Steinberg ’04 (Drawing) both have work on display in separate galleries at the performing arts space.

IMPORTANT DATES

Ongoing
Accepting applications for Fall 2024
Apply now!

December 31, 2023
FAFSA available for 2024-25 school year
Use MIAD's school code: 014203

April 27, 2024
Admitted Students Day

June 1, 2024
Tuition Deposit Deadline
*extended
Pay your tuition deposit