“The Rage” exhibits a coalition of creative expression

Using multiple forms of media such as painting, graphic design and written pieces in its first public exhibit, “The Rage” celebrates student art submissions.  

The exhibit showcased pieces on topics like gender, sexuality, race and more in the Lib Jackson Student Union (LJSU) rotunda from Sept. 11-15. The Rage Zine is a Women’s and Gender Studies Department magazine partnered with Students Advocating for Gender Equality (SAGE), which seeks to amplify marginalized student voices.  

Many students were excited to see their peers’ artwork displayed, including sophomore graphic design major Peter Claiborne.  

“With the art pieces and everything else, it makes the students feel known and like their pieces are actually being noticed, they can express themselves a lot more,” Claiborne said.  

The exhibit was strategically placed in LJSU, according to The Rage’s Faculty Adviser Amanda Masterpaul. Masterpaul said the goal of this exhibit was to create visibility and invoke some tough conversations students may not often be exposed to. She said by interacting with art, everyone becomes part of the artistic process as observers and viewers. 

Brittany Davis, managing editor, is in charge of all creative decisions for The Rage Zine. She is responsible for curating publications, exhibits and events. Davis said she formed the zine as a way for marginalized students to have their artwork seen without censorship.  

“We platform a lot of queer voices, a lot of [people of color] voices and art,” Davis said. “That’s a really big thing for us, is for people to feel like The Rage is a space where they can be really open and really explicit about things like sexuality, race and gender identity stuff and not have to worry about the censorship that comes with more mainstream publications on campus.” 

Exposure to art can be inspirational, thought provoking, and serve as a channel of communication. Masterpaul said she believes being exposed to art can broaden horizons by looking at new perspectives.   

“It gives them an opportunity and you an opportunity to look at this work and dig into and reflect on your own lived experiences,” Masterpaul said, “to maybe learn about other experiences that are different than your own.” 

Davis also argues that art is uniquely inspirational.  

“We’re putting art in front of people that one, are probably not exposed to that much of their peers’ artwork,” Davis said, “and two, we’re platforming artists who don’t typically get a lot of exposure to other people.” 

Sophomore recreational sports management major Peyton Moreland said creative expression and art are important personal outlets.  

“I think it’s really good actually, because sometimes people don’t have places to go, to like let things out. Art, you can do whatever you want, and put whatever you want into that,” Moreland said.  

Davis’ goal is to expand the reach of The Zine to beyond the humanities departments, to make students aware of this creative outlet option. 

The fall edition of The Rage’s printed publication is accepting submissions until Sept. 29. If students miss this date, they can join The Rage, CHROMA and SAGE on Oct. 10 for “Takeover Tuesday” in the Alford Ballroom. The event will focus on the “Art of civil discourse” and take place from 6-7 p.m.