AP Studio Art 2022

Olivia McGrath | 3D Design

My series explores the connection between cultures and religions through the shared symbolism of the red string. The origins of this shared idealization of the red string remains unknown, but I found beauty in the common reverence and diverse cultural stories that are tied together with this string. 

Maria Uralde | Drawing

My investigation seeks to establish a connection between the shared strength and vulnerability in women and nature. The subjects of my pieces are hybrid creatures of human female bodies with the heads of different plants or animals. Some are placed in a sole environment and some within a full surrounding, juxtaposing the strength found in both community and solitude. My connection to the topic arises from my interest in the ecofeminist argument: how the feminine power and that of nature are intrinsically connected and thus similarly treated in society at large.

Paloma Hernandez | 3D Design

My sustained investigation explores the indigenous group of the Wayuu, located in La Guajira peninsula in Colombia. They are known for their traditional weaving in the famous Mochilas Wayuu. These bags are a symbol of wisdom and intelligence in the Wayuu culture, it's their main source of income, and they are only woven by women. I have a personal connection to the topic because of my ethnic background, since my family is Colombian. I wanted to see how I could build different functional and elegant pieces integrated with traditional Wayuu patterns.

Natalie Martinez | 2D Design

My series focuses on the crossroads between Mexican culture and the country’s endemic animals. I wanted to see how these elements could interact in order to portray playful patterns and the overall vibrancy present in Mexican culture. I have a strong connection to this topic because I have grown up in Mexico and will soon be leaving for college in the US, bringing up nostalgia and love for this culture and it's charming elements. 

Carola Calderon | 2D Design

My Investigation explores iconic pieces of literature portrayed through key elements with a point or figure of focus. I wanted to see how I could use a graphic and playful style to create a nostalgic connection to literature. I chose this topic because I believe that literature is something that every person can relate to in all stages of life.  People share and differ in their experiences with different pieces of literature in personal and meaningful ways.

Marifer Alarcon | 3D Design

My series explores the feminist movement and the issue of femicides in Latin America. Mexico is the country with the largest number of femicides, with 11 women killed each day. I believe it is important for our society to recognize this problem so we can all work on solving it. As a woman, I have been a victim of gender violence and know many women that have been through similar situations. I want a society where future generations can walk freely through the streets and feel safe. 

Elfriede Suarez | 2D Design

The focus of my investigation is the feminist movement in Guadalajara, more specifically the women behind it. I was guided by the questions: “why do we fight?” and “what are we fighting for?”, driven by an informal survey I conducted amongst my feminist peers (asking "what do you fight for?"). I felt moved by the need to document this social revolution, which I am myself a part of, particularly the diversity and power of the women behind it.

Natalia Abaroa | Drawing

The focus of my investigation is the importance of relationships throughout a person's life that influence the development of the individual. I used hands as my subject to guide my idea of the identity of an individual because they are unique to every person. I wanted to see how people, events, beliefs, and objects work together to form a person's identity. I have a personal connection to this topic because I have been influenced by friends, family and religion throughout my life. I brainstormed different components and relationships that have molded my identity.

Natalia Aceves | 3D Design

My series explores the crushing pressure that media and society put on women to look a certain way. I am deeply attached to the topic and feel it urgently needs to be addressed to prevent further generations from falling into the same hateful, dangerous and diminishing patterns. For each piece, I considered how to visually represent the pressure women feel to be perfect.

Jimena Cañez  | 2D Design

My series explores the idea of what it means to be a woman connected to the four elements of nature: fire, water, air, and earth. Representing and focusing on the positive sides of being a woman is important due to the fact that many times we focus on the disadvantages. Each piece explores a different idea of what it means to be a woman, for instance: strength, pleasure, fertility, maturity, unity, resilience, and love. 

Pia Gonzalez  | 2D Design

My series explores my experience with the huicholes in la sierra wixarika. I participated as a volunteer in an organization called ONI, where they give out milk powder to young kids in order to solve the malnutrition problem in the country. I used my own photography of volunteers interacting with Huicholes to show my experience. I had such an amazing and meaningful experience. I decided I would love to show it using art to illustrate Huichol culture through color, texture, and clothing.

Zyanya Moragrega  | 3D Design

My series explores the principles of art through ocean creatures. I was interested in showing texture, movement, and rhythm. This led me to my investigation question; How can I form and texture clay in a way that captures the essence of the ocean? I have always had a strong connection to the ocean, and I love to explore the world that surrounds it. 

Sofia Diaz  | 2D Design

My series examines the harm we cause to the human body. I was guided by two questions: How can I visually represent the damage we cause to our bodies by getting addicted to unhealthy modern habits? And, What artistic style and media will cause the most impact? I have a personal connection to this topic  since I came up with it during the complete covid lockdown, and during this time a lot of people, including myself, got into unhealthy habits. 

Dani Morfin  | 3D Design

My sustained investigation explores the feeling of preternatural dread and other negative emotions that can reach an extreme where they exceed what feels human. I wanted to see how I could express these emotions in physical manifestations, so throughout this investigation, I used clay to create a series of human-like beings that invoke a sense of distortion, dread, and discomfort. 

Rio Coughlin  | 2D Design

My sustained investigation explores the process of visual character design and its role in the videogame/animation industry. As someone interested in character writing in film/television, I wanted to experiment with the flipside and instead work with the visual side of character development. I wanted to see how I could create a design that shows the viewer who the character is without the use of words.