Meet the New Class
Ajmal “Mas Man” Millar (MFA)
Where are you from?
I was born in Brooklyn, New York, to Trinidadian immigrants, but Atlanta has been home for most of my life.
Describe yourself in three words.
Imaginative, prolific, resourceful
Why did you choose SAIC?
I felt that it encouraged my multidisciplinary approach of making art.
What are you passionate about?
I am passionate about using my creativity for the sake of kosen rufu, which is world peace. I am passionate about disadvantaged populations and schools having access to art.
Where do you find inspiration?
I find inspiration first in nature, in my Caribbean heritage, and from my experiences living Black and queer in America. Inspiration smacks me in the face every day.
What do you hope to accomplish in your time at SAIC?
I am ecstatic about challenging and expanding my practice. I aim to form a solid understanding of how my work connects to art history and develop it to forge a path for the future. I look forward to becoming a better version of me.
Tallulah Cartalucca (BFA)
Where are you from?
I am from Chicago!
Describe yourself in three words.
Artist, environmentalist, historian
Why did you choose SAIC?
I fell in love with the Art Institute of Chicago in first grade. I’m thrilled to be here because I believe the best way to learn about creating art is by looking at art.
What are you passionate about?
Protecting our environment. We desperately need to focus on our most important pollinators: bees. I’ve been making artwork that talks about bees since Bombus affinis was added to the US endangered species list.
Where do you find inspiration?
I am inspired by my studies of science and history. My work contextualizes current environmental issues through an art historical lens.
What do you hope to accomplish in your time at SAIC?
I want to expand my artmaking practice and processes by learning from exceptional teachers. I am also excited to formally study art history. I am certain that diving deep into history will have tremendous impact on my work.
Wenhan Zhang (MArch)
Where are you from?
Xi’an, the capital of Shaanxi province in central China
Describe yourself in three words.
Persistent, respectful, tenacious
Why did you choose SAIC?
I believe SAIC’s interdisciplinary approach will help me to think differently and research from various perspectives.
What are you passionate about?
After graduate school, I plan to embark on a career in interior design. With enough experience, I will start my own business in China. My lifelong goal is to have a great influence on China’s design field.
Where do you find inspiration?
Nature, history, and materials. I study everything that can help improve the living environment of human beings.
What do you hope to accomplish in your time at SAIC?
I will strive in every studio class to produce excellent projects, and I plan to participate in design competitions.
Zac Nelson (BFA)
Where are you from?
Eldorado, Illinois
Describe yourself in three words.
Past, present, future
Why did you choose SAIC?
I’ve lived in California and Oregon for the past 18 years and wanted to be closer to my family while expanding my knowledge of art and learning new techniques in various media.
What are you passionate about?
Loving myself and others. Being grateful to be alive even in strife. Megalithic structures weighing tons that are cut with high technology precision. Exotic oils, music, sound, and experimentation.
Where do you find inspiration?
Being alive, metamorphosis, death, future space exploration, megalithic stonework of ancient prehistory, intimate love, nature, language, sound, and Graham Hancock.
What do you hope to accomplish in your time at SAIC?
I hope to expand my knowledge and execution of multiple artistic practices while doing something I feel passionate about. Meet and collaborate with interesting people. Learn how to communicate about why and what I’m creating.
CBS News Chicago spotlights SAIC's project bridging LGBTQ+ generational gaps through art and dialogue.
Photo credit of CBS News Chicago
A group of people engages in a discussion while seated in a circle at the LGBTQ+ Intergenerational Dialogue Project event.