BFA Thesis to Focus on Reproductive Rights

11/20/2017 

Allison Lewis, a senior art studio: bachelor of fine arts major, presents her thesis exhibition, “14th,” beginning Dec. 4 in the Dowd Fine Arts Center.

The mixed-media installation runs through Dec. 14 in the Critique Space. The opening reception begins at 5 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 8. Lewis will hold an artist talk starting at 5:30 p.m.

“14th” focuses on Lewis’ personal views on the state of women’s reproductive rights and the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The 14th Amendment codified citizenship rights following the Civil War and it served as the foundation of the majority opinion in the 1973 Supreme Court case Roe v. Wade.  

Lewis’ work uses the personal stories of women who have had abortions to illustrate individual experience in a topic that is often generalized.

“Through my work I explore my personal fears in a terrifying future where reproductive rights are nonexistent,” Lewis said. “Many women want to have children on a schedule when they can nurture and afford them. Taking away support and education dealing with the topic of reproductive rights and motherhood may lead to individuals bringing children into a world with limited resources and financial support.

“The artwork on display shows a potential future of women who have been affected by lack of access to care they need as well as inadequate means to make an informed decision,” Lewis said.

She noted that anti-choice activists neglect these women, treating and speaking about them as if they are less than a human.

“These forgotten women haunt my mind and make the future more about survival and less about opportunities,” she said.

Lewis has had her work featured in the College’s Student Select exhibits since 2015. Her work was chosen for the “Best of SUNY Student Art Exhibition” at the State Museum in Albany in 2015.

The exhibition is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Lewis or the Dowd Gallery at 607-753-3216.