Grover Hogan

CLASS OF 1978 SENIOR MERIT AWARD, $4,000

Describe the work you submitted for merits.

I created a series of work that focused on ideas of sexuality, queerness, race, and religion.

Why did you decide to come to MCAD?

I came to MCAD because I wanted to be not only in an environment far from home, but I also wanted to be involved in a community focused on activism, anti-racism, and queer love.

What are your plans for your senior year? And beyond?

I plan to create a more cohesive body of work that focuses on the issues I feel are most pertinent to my life and the lives of those around me. I hope to inspire and connect with those who have not seen themselves portrayed in the fine arts.

Favorite thing about college life (so far)?

I love the community that I have made, I love the people I've met and the acceptance that I have received since coming. I've found a second family.

What's the best thing you've got from MCAD's free shelf?

I have this lamp that literally gives me just straight serotonin. It lights up my whole room, I love it so much.

What inspires you?

My younger self inspires me so much. I always just want to be the person they wanted me to be. I want to make the art they loved, I want to have the personality and style they wanted.

Do you have a favorite piece you've made? Describe it!

My favorite piece I made has definitely got to be my Fruity Pebbles piece I made called Queer Pleasure. It's simply a 2'x2' canvas covered in Fruity Pebbles and gesso but It makes me so happy to see it and it makes everyone else happy too.

Anything you're obsessed with at the moment?

I'm currently obsessed with the band The Garden. They make experimental rock music and they don't really care about sticking to a script. They have whistles and dog barks in their music and that's how I want my art to be—full of things I like and full of energy.