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Spartans of UD - Jakhari Anderson

By University Relations Staff

Spartans of UD highlights what makes the University of Dubuque special - the people.

Jakhari Anderson, of Crystal Lake, Illinois, is a senior digital art and design major. His work, Solitude Seeker, is on display in the Bisignano Art Gallery as part of the "DART Senior Thesis Art Show."

Celebrating work completed by graduating seniors in the Department of Digital Art and Design, the "DART Senior Thesis Art Show" is free and open to the public through Saturday, April 27, 2024. Gallery hours are noon to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday during the academic year. The gallery is also open in conjunction with all major events in John and Alice Butler Hall, Heritage Center.

The "DART Senior Thesis Art Show" is also available virtually at http://gallery.dbq.edu/.

Can you share a little about your senior thesis, Solitude Seeker?

"Solitude Seeker is an animation about a boy who helps his friends and goes through his own problems. As this is happening, his energy battery goes down. At the end, he goes to seek solitude and recharges his battery."

How would you describe your artistic process for this particular work?

"I told everything day by day because I knew it wouldn't stay the same. An example is a bird pooped on my window, so I made the bird poo on the boy's shoulder. I wanted to have fun with it, so I tried taking some of my problems but exaggerating them in the animation."

What do you hope people will take away from Solitude Seeker?

"I hope people will realize that seeking solitude is self-care and that self-care is important. Not everyone will care for you, so you must go and be you."

How has the faculty and/or staff in the Department of Digital Art and Design helped you on your journey as a designer?

"They never gave up on me even when I was at rock bottom. They made sure I got back on track, and the talks of how great I can be really was eye opening."

In your opinion, what makes the University of Dubuque unique?

"The University of Dubuque is unique because everyone knows everyone, and we all come together and support each other. I think it's a cool thing that a criminal justice major would come and support a digital art and design major at an art show. It's a huge family and I'm glad I am a part of it."