Student Painting Recognized in AXA Art Prize

Hannah Sitzer '27 (painting option - studio arts BFA) was named a finalist in the 2026 AXA Art Prize student art competition! As one of 40 finalists, Sitzer's “Chatter” painting will be featured in a group exhibition in the fall at the New York Academy of Art — where she was also enrolled in the 2026 Summer Undergraduate Residency Program. 

"Chatter" is a 24-by-40-inch painting (using oil and graphite) on canvas. Sitzer took reference during a visit, with friends, to a diner near campus. 

“This painting is a piece from a body of work I made about intimacy and my journey to become comfortable with it,” Sitzer said. “I wanted the viewer to be struck by the figure’s gaze in spite of the busy nature of the diner behind her. By using contrast and perspective, I force the viewer to connect with the figure.”