The School of Art at the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences is pleased to present M.F.A. Thesis Exhibition with Nicholas Cox: 'Real Goner.'

The Fine Arts Center Gallery is hosting Cox's thesis exhibition April 6-13. Audiences are invited to attend the closing reception April 13, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Real Goner features a variety of anthropomorphized drums depicted in ritual-style deaths, an interactive installation that conjures deceased pop musicians, a series of portals to alternate dimensions, and a coloring book.

Cox reconfigures classic philosophical and mythological narratives through the lens of popular culture, and poses them in direct interaction with the gallery's dominating architecture.

Through his varied use of representational and abstract imagery, Cox invites Real Goner viewers to consider alternate histories of pop stars, and poses them as the contemporary incarnation of ritual sacrifice in the spectacle that is modern culture.

Cox shares that his M.F.A. experience helped him reconsider and relate to those that eagerly described their school experience as the best years of their life. For many years, this was an unknown concept to Cox.

Today he reflects and joins the sentimental description. Cox said the experience was the most intense challenging three years of his life, and the most rewarding in friendships gained, opportunities achieved, and professional development.

"Devotion to one's goals must be refreshed daily, and they must come from within," Cox said. "Whether surrounded by faculty and peers, or embarking on a solo-international journey, art must be pursued ever day at all costs in my life."

Cox describes his next exciting step in life as his upcoming marriage this summer. He is applying for university jobs around the country, focusing his efforts on teaching and research-related positions that will allow him to continue his studio practice.

Experience Real Goner April 6-13 at the Fine Arts Center Gallery.

Gallery Hours:

• Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Sunday, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.