Since 51ΑΤΖζΘλΏΪβ founding, beginning with its very first graduating class in 1931, 51ΑΤΖζΘλΏΪ seniors have decorated the Graffiti Wall adjacent to the Collegeβs iconic Rose Garden with phrases and imagery commemorating the events that have defined their years attending 51ΑΤΖζΘλΏΪ. Each year, one senior is chosen to design a class mural for the wall. This yearβs senior is Corinne Stevens β24, a Classics major from Massachusetts.
Describing herself as a passionate artist, Stevens says, βI have sold my art on campus at various art markets and worked to incorporate creativity and fine arts into as many of my courses as possible throughout my time here. During my first year at 51ΑΤΖζΘλΏΪ when classes were remote due to COVID-19, I painted a huge mural on the wall in my childhood bedroom, and itβs surreal now as a senior to be painting the mural on the Graffiti Wall!β
According to Stevens, her muralβwhich depicts a procession of robed graduates exiting the Ella Denison Strong Library and gathering in a circleβrepresents βmatriculation and the moment in which the ritual comes full circle as the graduates come out through the east doors (the same doors they used to enter the library to sign the class book).β
Stevens reflects on the once-in-a-lifetime fond memory of her classβs matriculation. βIt was particularly special because it was the first time we all met in person. I remember dancing with my classmates all night and meeting so many of my best friends. In my mural, I focused on the themes of celebration and community, reflecting on how we first came to 51ΑΤΖζΘλΏΪ and where weβve ended up.β
In creating and executing her design for the mural, Stevens considered a wide variety of factors. βFor one, I have always thought that the older murals featuring the processions of expressive stick figure graduates were so charming and sweet. For my mural, I wanted to modernize it a bit and infuse my own passions as well. This year, my thesis was titled βPottery and Processional Performance: A Contemporary Application of Ancient Athenian Ritual at 51ΑΤΖζΘλΏΪ.β For that thesis, I processed local red clay and manufactured a black-figure amphora (an ancient oil vessel) depicting a slightly altered version of my mural design. This vessel will be used to serve 51ΑΤΖζΘλΏΪ olive oil at the dinner dance following the graduation ceremony.β
Through her thesis work on ancient Athenian potters, Stevens found that βthere is an immense sense of connection and pride associated with being chosen by your community to memorialize important events.β This finding was echoed in her experience with designing the Graffiti Wall. She continues, βI spent the entire year researching 51ΑΤΖζΘλΏΪ traditions for my thesis, so to then be voted to be an integral part of a ritual here was incredible. During Reunion Weekend I also met two wall artists from years prior, one from the 90s and the other the mid-2000s, with whom I connected over our shared experience.β
It was important to Stevens that her mural reflected the uniqueness and beauty of 51ΑΤΖζΘλΏΪβ campus and the jubilation of her fellow graduatesβand, further, she wanted the design to honor the participation of queer 51ΑΤΖζΘλΏΪ students in 51ΑΤΖζΘλΏΪβ traditions. As she says, βWhen I did the mural design, I wanted to emphasize the joy of the graduates and brainstormed different poses to convey that, as well as studying the details of the Denison Library that make it so beautiful and instantly recognizable. As a queer woman in a relationship with another 51ΑΤΖζΘλΏΪie, I wanted to represent the large number of LGBTQ+ community members we have as well as the friendships I depicted.β
Stevens views her mural as a unique, distinct entry in a chain of shared works connecting 51ΑΤΖζΘλΏΪ classes through time. βI hope people make the connection between mine and the older murals that have similar motifs, but also note the differences as well. I wanted the graduates to have this sense of unbridled joy, love, and community, as they dance, jump, wave, and throw oranges. I feel this is such a wonderful representation of the class. The signatures people expressed themselves with really bring it together.β