Thesis 1995
Artist
Craig Witte
Category
Painting
My senior thesis, completed in 1995, marked the first graduating class to undertake and present a thesis in the final semester after the requirement was reinstated into the university curriculum that year. This significant project culminated in a gallery show, which we, the graduating seniors, built ourselves in unused buildings around Milwaukee. The exhibition, held at the end of the spring semester, showcased our work and its relevance to contemporary academic discourse. My thesis, entirely figurative, explored the human condition of being lost yet not lost, suspended in an intermediary state—levitating in place. Levitation often conjures images of suspension, neither here nor there, floating in an uncertain space without solid ground beneath. This imagery perfectly captures the experience of feeling caught between two worlds, unable to move forward or retreat. In a broader sense, levitation represents a liminal space—a threshold where one exists in a state of transition, yet is unable to fully commit to the next step. This can reflect various life situations, such as being torn between career choices, relationships, or personal beliefs. The act of levitating visually conveys this state of indecision and stasis, making it a poignant symbol for those who feel trapped in the middle of a journey. Using levitation in artistic or narrative expression not only illustrates the concept of being stuck but also introduces a sense of grace and calmness. Despite the inherent struggle, there is an element of tranquility in floating, suggesting that being in between does not always have to be a negative experience. It can be a time for reflection, an opportunity to appreciate the view from an elevated perspective before making a grounded decision.
My thesis included a diverse collection of both paintings and drawings. The example above showcases the distinct approach and creative vision that characterized many of the drawings from that period.
More examples from my thesis collection.