Kyra Nygard | Minneapolis College of Art and Design

Kyra Nygard

Image
"Trophy" by Kyra Nygard.

Alumni
’21

Degree
Areas of Study
Photography
Current Career
Entrepreneur
Location
Hanover, Minnesota

WEST PHOTO SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHY SCHOLARSHIP $4,000

Describe the work you submitted for merits.

My installation covered a wide range of my work. Revision features self-portraits that parody famous artworks. It was captured on a large format analog camera. Trophy is a series that is documenting the tradition of hunting in my family. It exists both as prints and a photo-book. Trail-cam is a spin-off of Trophy. It uses found imagery from hunter's trail-cams and compares them to CCTV screenshots. My final work, Zephyr, invites participants into an environment mimicking a relaxing space in a home. For this project, I was using scenography and sound to simulate a meditative experience for viewers. 

"Degas Revisioned" by Kyra Nygard.

"Helmut Newton Revisioned" by Kyra Nygard.

Why did you decide to come to MCAD?

After so many years thinking I would go to a college far from home I decided to stay here. I toured so many non-art colleges that didn't invest enough in their art programs, and I also didn't want to be a face among hundreds in a lecture hall. I was so impressed by MCAD's amazing facilities, especially the media center, darkroom, and gray studio. I'm glad I stayed in Minnesota—there are so many amazing grants, jobs, and opportunities for artists in the Twin Cities.

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

My senior year, I'm excited to get back to the darkroom and continue my self-portrait series. I am also expanding my practice as a community-based artist which has been really rewarding, even though I am so new to it. Once I graduate I plan on developing those community projects and hopefully getting them to be grant-funded. In addition to continuing my fine art practice, I will work commercially doing portraiture.

Favorite thing about college life (so far)?

Finding my purpose.

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

I don't think I've actually taken anything, but I did use it to get rid of an ironing board that the city garbage didn't want to pick up for some reason.

What inspires you? 

My classmates' amazing work!

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

My Trophy photo-book is my baby. It's hand-made and turned out so much better than I could have imagined, it's also about my family so it's really near to my heart.

Anything you're obsessed with at the moment? 

Origami.