SUMMER ART INTENSIVE
SUMMER ART INTENSIVE
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Known for its highly competitive admissions process, the Summer Art Intensive at New York University (NYU) is a 4-week workshop to curate a personalized portfolio, complete with an exhibition on the final day.
In terms of experience, it was scary knowing that I was a few hours drive away from my actual home, but I learned many art tips that helped me grow, even today.
Below are some of the works I've done.
WORK #1: Comfortable Being Uncomfortable (CBU)
SCHOLASTIC GOLD KEY WINNER 2025
MEDIUM: WATERCOLOR PAPER
CBU Page 1
CBU Page 1
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Based on the memoir Oh My Mother! by Connie Wang, the first page follows Wang and her mother's journey to the Palace of Versailles in France. They feel foreign and alienated among the local French people, given that they are Chinese, but once they hear a glimpse of Mandarin, they feel somewhat at home.
CBU Page 2
CBU Page 2
(Zoom in for clarity)
The second page shows the stiff barrier between Wang and her mother's relationship breaking as they bond while navigating through a new country. Notice how there is greater contrast between Wang (left) and Qing (right) than between the people passing by in between them. In that moment, they focus on each other and embrace their cultural identity.
CBU Page 3
CBU Page 3
(Zoom in for clarity)
Finally embracing as they look at the great beauty that is the Palace of Versailles, Wang and Qing realize that through the obstacles they had growing up, they are a family at the end. Their embrace shows how one can rely on their family members to be comfortable being uncomfortable and 'different' in a new environment. This piece won a Gold Key in 2025's Scholastic competition.
WORK #2: Melody in Bloom
MEDIUM: CARDBOARD, ACRYLIC
Melody in Bloom is the first 3D piece that I did, made of cardboard, acrylic paint, and hot glue. The song that inspired me to create this piece is called Deux Arabesques by Claude Debussy. I remember practicing this song and eventually playing it at a recital in Canada (2023), where I felt very passionate about the piano. The feeling of each note playing made me realize, after so many years of practicing without reason, that being able to feel and share music with people is why I play. The increasing height of each music sheet reflects my intense feelings. These shapes resemble music sheets, but also what I imagine the sound looks like when I share it with others.
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