Senior Santiago Rodriguez stands beside his controversial pieces of art, one of which includes a condom ad for the annual Art  + Design Senior Exhibition. 
Kristen Williams/The Lion's Roar 

The Southeastern Louisiana University Contemporary Art Gallery held its annual Art + Design Senior Exhibition, which displayed a combination of the seniors’ artwork. 

The exhibition began with an opening reception that was held on Thursday, Apr. 13 from 5 to 7:30 p.m.

Seniors held displays and welcomed the public to see what they had been working on in preparation for graduating and furthering their careers. Paintings, digital work, abstract work and fashion were used in pieces to create different kinds of art.

“I feel so honored that a piece of me is being displayed,” said senior Kevin Michael Paninski. “My art and my faith was what saved my life honestly. After finding out I had brain cancer and after my surgeries, this is what I came back to. I found solace in the church. I am a devote Christian and all of my pieces are based off of biblical names and stories. Sharing my work with you all is what makes me happy. It’s a part of me.”

Other seniors wanted their art to be understood, no matter how abstract or contemporary it was.

“Most of my pieces deal with real world topics and instead of beating around the bush,” said senior Santiago Rodriguez. “I make it stand out. Topics like sex and race are shown and I like to put it in your face. That’s the only way we get things. One of my pieces is a condom ad. As you can see, there is nothing shy about it, but you will remember it.”

CAG Gallery Director Dale Newkirk expressed his honor about the exhibit and the success of the students with work featured in it.

“Every single piece in here is a result of serious work put in by the students and they are what makes this a success every year,” said Newkirk. “This year we had less students which made it more personal but still came with complications. This exhibition is really for them, this is what they created and all of these pieces will follow them through their professional life as well.”

Attendees including family, friends and coworkers observed several pieces made by their peers while enjoying the Contemporary Art Gallery.

“I mostly came to support my friend,” said sophomore nursing major Alana Collins. “I never knew that all of this was back here actually. Being here makes me want to do stuff like this now since I actually know it’s here.”

Other attendees appreciated how personal some of the pieces were and the feelings that the pieces gave them.

“When I think about art, I never thought that stuff like this could come together,” said biology major Ranesha Smith. “It is all so cool. It makes me think I could do it if I put my mind to it.”

Senior Maegan Broussard displays one of her many graphic design pieces featured in the Contemporary Art Gallery's Art  + Design Senior Exhibition. 
Kristen Williams/The Lion's Roar 

Kevin Michael Paninski stands beside his life sized creation, that was biblically named and inspired by the Bible at the Contemporary Art Gallery's  annual Art  + Design Senior Exhibition. 
Kristen Williams/The Lion's Roar   

Spectators gathered around to admire student's artwork at the Contemporary Art Gallery's  student exhibition that is annually held towards the conclusion of each semester. This exhibition was held on Thursday, Apr. 13
Kristen Williams/The Lion's Roar