“Love Culture” Shines in Senior Thesis Exhibit

By Shelbie Spain 

Art major Randy McDonald Jr. closed out the semester with a powerful celebration of Black culture at his senior thesis exhibit, Love Culture, on December 4, 2025. The gallery reception drew a crowd of classmates, family members, and faculty—many of whom Randy credited as “instrumental in helping his vision come to life.” 

One of the standout pieces from the show was a series of magazine-style posters titled “Sucker for Culture.” The series highlighted the vibrancy and diversity within minority communities through a portrayal of fashion. Randy invited his models to style themselves in a way that represented both Black culture and their own personal perspectives—showcasing individuality within shared cultural identity. 

When asked why he chose Love Culture as his final thesis theme, Randy explained that the exhibition served as a reflection of his past, present, and future. “This project is a representation of me, my ancestors, and what’s yet to come,” he shared. Embracing bold visuals and expressive styling, Randy noted that the culture doesn’t shy away from being seen—“some might call it flashy, but it’s really a depiction of who we are and what we represent.”