Student Artwork Reflects New COVID-19 Reality

'Zine Projects Illustrate Creativity & Innovation Through Adversity

MEDIA CONTACT: Damita Chambers, dchambers@bowiestate.edu, 301-832-2628 mobile

(BOWIE, Md.) – Bowie State University students in the visual communications digital media arts program are using the current times to inspire the creation of impactful artwork. They are designing and sharing online ‘zines as part of their art courses. Some are computer graphic-generated designs. Others are hand-drawn creations. Most of them reflect the students’ current reality with regional stay-at-home orders and online courses in place, due to the nation's COVID-19 response.

When Assistant Professor Jennifer White-Johnson approached her students about the topics that they wanted to address with their zine project, they initially resisted focusing on COVID-19. But in the end, most of the projects do reflect how the students are coping with the pandemic crisis. Because they are unable to access campus computer labs with graphic design programs, they had to think outside of the box in completing this assignment.

“They’re letting the current circumstances inspire their content. That’s the cool thing. They are informing others with their artwork. You can really see the magic that’s being created,” said White-Johnson. “It’s been a learning curve for everyone because students are learning that they can use their hands to create amazing things, but they can use digital tools too in a completely different way.”

The ‘zines send a message of hope and helpful tips about remaining positive and productive during these difficult times, especially for college students. They also speak to the ingenuity of the students to produce meaningful artwork despite unanticipated constraints.

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Bowie State University (BSU) is an important higher education access portal for qualified persons from diverse academic and socioeconomic backgrounds, seeking a high-quality and affordable public comprehensive university. The university places special emphasis on the science, technology, cybersecurity, teacher education, business, and nursing disciplines within the context of a liberal arts education. For more information about BSU, visit bowiestate.edu.