The New York Times featured the upcoming thesis exhibition entitled “Flameproof” at 375 Park Avenue, which includes work by drawing and painting students, all of whom were affected to various degrees by the fire at Pratt earlier this year. Several students were interviewed for the article and discussed how the fire had brought their community even closer and influenced their new works. President Schutte was quoted, as well as Fine Arts Professor Greg Drasler.
NY1 aired a segment on “Flameproof” on Thursday, April 11, noting the students' drive to create new work in the wake of the fire. Pratt Provost Peter Barna was featured, as were two senior fine arts students who spoke about the unexpected new directions that their work has taken post-fire.
WNBC New York interviewed two fine arts seniors and Provost Peter Barna in a live segment on the morning show “Today in New York” on Sunday, April 14. The segment focused on how the Pratt fire impacted the students' lives and work, with students showcasing one completed painting each on the show. The segment also touched on the special exhibition arranged by Larry Gagosian and noted the strength of the Pratt and New York City communities in coming together to support the students after the fire.
“Flameproof” was made possible by Aby Rosen of RFR Holding, who has generously made the 8th floor of 375 Park Avenue available for this exhibition. Additionally, Larry Gagosian worked closely with Pratt Institute President Thomas F. Schutte and Aby Rosen to secure the exhibition space. Trustee Emeritus and alumnus Bruce Newman provided funding to produce this year’s senior thesis show, which includes the works of 44 undergraduate students in the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree program.