This document provides information about Nina Bellanti-Johnson's M.A.T. thesis exhibition titled "Collage of Conflicting Memories and Realities". The exhibition features artwork dealing with themes of being a woman, including stereotypes and roles. Nina used techniques of collage, combining photos and words in mixed media. She was inspired by artists who use photography to convey feminist ideas. The goal is for viewers to reflect on their own experiences and find connections or rethink beliefs.

2. M.A.T. Thesis Exhibition
“Collage of Conflicting Memories and Realities”
By
Nina Bellanti-Johnson
The studio work I have done for my M.A.T. is a manifestation of
my artistic statement. I feel that artwork should express something
about one’s own life, thoughts, or creative vision. The creative process
can be both a healing and an insightful experience, both of which are
reflective of my journey in my creative endeavors. My hope is that
people will look at my artwork and not just try to understand what I
am saying about my life or beliefs, but to then go a step further and
have them reflect upon their own experiences. My intention is that
somehow they will either find a connection within their own
experience on the subjects I address or that they may rethink some of
the beliefs they have. I believe when humanity feels a connection,
either positive or negative, with another they don’t feel alone; you
share a commonality and somehow that makes life make sense.
Though the themes and concepts behind my work have changed
throughout my life, I seem to always come back to a major subject,
that being my feelings about being a woman. In my need to figure out
my place in the world, I create art that deals with my feelings about
being a woman and could be interpreted as universal to many women.
My intention is to create a visual experience that conveys the
stereotypes and constrictions women place on themselves or that are
placed on them by others along with the wonderful attributes they
possess. I speak to women who are concerned with their most basic
independent freedoms along with those women who carry a heavy
load with the variety of roles they need to play today.
As a K-12 Art Educator, I constantly have to learn about new
mediums and techniques within a variety of areas. Much of my time is
spent using my creative energy to help others realize their artistic
potential. Consequently, my artwork is always changing direction with
regard to the type of media I use. For my M.A.T., I researched ways in
which photography could be manipulated using a variety of computer
software and printing surfaces. I employed the technique of collage;
combining published photos, personal photos, and magazine clippings
of words and phrases utilizing mixed media. I also did extensive
research on artists that use photography to convey feminist ideology
such as Kirsten Justesen, Cindy Sherman, and Barbara Kruger.
”I work with pictures and words because they have the ability
to determine who we are and who we aren’t”. …Barbara Krueger

12. “A Life With No Choice”
Mixed Media Collage

13. “Tuesday” “Self-Doubt”
Mixed Media Photography on fabric

14. “I’m A Legacy”
Mixed Media Collage

15. “On the Line”
Installation –Photography on Fabric

17. “Distortions”
Mixed Media Collage

18. “Insecurities”
Mixed Media

19. “Can You Be A Catholic Feminist”
Photography

20. “Is It ok to Love Yourself”
Photography on Canvas
“Taking a Hard Look”
Photography on Canvas

21. “Not Sure of the Outcome”
Mixed Media Collage

22. “We Are Defined By What We Pass
On To The Next Generation”
Mixed Media Collage

23. “Trapped”
Mixed Media Photography
“Under Pressure”
Photography on Canvas