The Department of Art & Art History introduces Present Histories, the 2025 MFA Thesis Exhibition, featuring the thesis artwork of our graduating Art Practice MFA students: Damon Casarez, Elina Frumerman, Emily Harter, & Cooper Salmon.

The four artists in the 2025 MFA exhibition, Present Histories, share a common thread: to infuse the materials of their practices - prints, drawings, paintings, clay figures, photographs - with the rich aroma of living personal memory, thereby framing this present moment in a way that sets it apart from the world. But what is it that sets apart a memory? Where does experience go when it enters the realm of memory? Is it recorded? Transformed? Refined? Falsified? And by what process does it transition back into our world, as though alive, to be seen and felt again? A thousand more questions. Each artist in the exhibition presents us with unique answers.

On View: May 13–June 6, 2025

Opening Reception: Thursday, May 15, 5–7pm

Gallery Hours: Monday–Friday, 11am–5pm

Final Viewing: Sunday, June 15 (limited hours)

Curated by: Paul DeMarinis

VISITOR INFORMATION: Stanford Art Gallery is located at 419 Lasuen Mall, off Palm Drive. The gallery is open Monday–Friday, 11:00am–5:00pm*. Visitor parking is available in designated areas and payment is managed through ParkMobile (free after 4pm, except by the Oval). Alternatively, take the Caltrain to Palo Alto Transit Center and hop on the free Stanford Marguerite Shuttle. This exhibition is open to Stanford affiliates and the general public. Admission is free. 

*The gallery will be closed on May 16 and May 26 (Memorial Day).

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