The 119 Euclid Artwalk features 10 artists, themed ‘Voices of the Heroes’, ‘highlighting how black students in Syracuse and the Syracuse community are reclaiming narratives and becoming the heroes of their own stories,’ says Bryanna Hull’ 22, who participated in the organization of the event.
Illustration major Bryanna Hull ’22 wants to give Black student artists a platform to showcase their important work and give the campus community a chance to discover these artists and start conversations around their works.
His efforts led to the 119 Euclid Artwalkan art exhibit at 119 Euclid Ave., which runs through Saturday, February 19. Dedicated to celebrating the Black student experience, 119 Euclid is a welcoming space for the campus community, especially Black students and those interested in Black history and culture, to relax, share, and learn.
Bryanna Hull
The 119 Euclid Artwalk features 10 artists, themed “Voices of the Heroes,” “highlighting how black students in Syracuse and the Syracuse community are reclaiming narratives and becoming the heroes of their own stories,” Hull says.
Hull first pitched the idea for an art exhibit in October to Cornelia Stokes, office coordinator at 119 Euclid, which is overseen by the Office of Diversity and Inclusion. The first art exhibition took place in October.
“After that first exhibit, I explained to Cornelia how I wanted the art exhibits to represent and give platforms to people of color on campus that are held each semester,” says Hull, who helps with visual curation at the 119 Euclid. “I had the idea to have the next one in February to celebrate Black History Month.”
The artwalk event, which features artists from the University and the Syracuse area, is meant to represent black artists who often don’t get the recognition they deserve, Hull says.
Visitors to the exhibition can explore and examine the varied stories of each particular artist through the work of the artists.
“What you can expect is for people’s stories to be told, for their voices to be heard, for them to be seen. Each work represents them and their stories or what they have been through,” says Hull. “I want people to be able to digest the stories told and start a conversation, feel the emotions put into the art, and see how each artist expressed their story.”
The 119 Euclid Artwalk runs until Saturday, February 19.
One of Hull’s works of art, “The Black Print”, is on display during the exhibition. The artwork “speaks of black people as a model for everything,” says Hull.
Hull’s own story as an illustrator began when she was around 6 or 7 years old.
“I would create art and illustrate my own books and calendars for fun,” she says. “When I reached high school and had to decide what programs I was looking to go to college for, I knew it was art I wanted to do, but I didn’t know exactly how. was called that I was doing.”
Her art teachers directed her towards illustration, which reflected Hull’s skills and talents.
Hull has worked with multiple mediums, such as cast/mold making; oil and acrylic paint; pen and ink; pencil and digital, but most of his work is done digitally through Procreate and Adobe apps.
“My inspiration mostly comes from wanting to represent myself and representing my brand, which is identity and talking about social injustices and activism,” says Hull. “A lot of my work is based on who I am and where my family is from, as well as things I’ve experienced or seen.”
“The Black Print”, by Bryanna Hull, is part of the 119 Euclid Artwalk.
Her work has been strengthened by the close experiences she shares with students and faculty in the Illustration program at the College of Visual and Performing Arts.
“There’s a lot of one-on-one time with the teachers, and that’s what I enjoy the most because they know me personally and what I like, how I draw, etc. who helps them help me improve my skills,” says Hull, who is also involved with college groups Renegade Magazine, Mixtape Magazine and fullCIRCLE, a mentoring group for people of color. “Not only that, but the group reviews from our classmates that we have – the teachers really push feedback from other classmates while still keeping in touch with each other.”
Her journey to Syracuse continues after graduation, as she will pursue a master’s degree in the Newhouse School’s Multimedia, Photography and Design program.
“I eventually want to work in editorial illustration with magazine companies such as The New York Times, The New Yorker, Cosmopolitan, etc.,” says Hull.
She will also continue to elevate her work on a personal level to allow others to connect with her work. “I plan to fully invest in my business, Arts by Bry, and sell my work,” she says.
The 119 Euclid Artwalk runs until Saturday, February 19.