Visual Arts

Artist Statement: There is no Catharsis 

Artist Statement: The word in the title of this piece ("Amal") translates to "hope" in Arabic. The figure in this piece is conflicted with thoughts of love, sadness, freedom, etc., all written in white font in Arabic. The chaos in the figure's mind is reflected in the blue background with black oil pastel squiggles, meant to represent the inner workings of the mind when undergoing turbulent emotions. The stark contrast between her bright orange hair and the blue background also signifies the complexity of human nature and the character's internal struggle to navigate life. Most of the words in the background have a positive meaning, however, which reflects the theme of finding beauty, or hope, in difficult moments. 

Artist Statement: In long periods of suffering, many perished and many more bear through after effects. However, only through this hardship were we able to truly wrap our minds around our nature. Even in our isolation, collaboration was at an all-time high. While the majority of us spent much needed time with our families, healthcare professionals worked in unison to find a cure. We also found a cure; a cure for our loneliness. 

Artist Statement: The art piece, “ That Time of Month,” illustrates my moment of pain and vulnerability. In these private moments there is always a question that comes to mind: if I am taking care of myself, am I doing enough? These elements of vulnerability are represented through the figure laying on a feminine hygiene product consumed by pink stains. The figure is posed grabbing their lower abdomen area indicating the pain they are in.The flowers surrounding the figure are placed to offer a sense of comfort. Although I am in a vulnerable position I need to be more graceful with myself as these moments are a part of life.

Artist Statement: This painting depicts a young girl clutching her head, stuck inside her brain. It represents a feeling of being trapped inside one's own thoughts, unable to break free. When under stress, the feeling of adhering to other’s expectations can be overwhelming and a huge burden. This painting captures how having no one to talk freely to can create a sense of confinement—the only place the girl can be free is inside her own head. She has no one to talk to, no one to distract her from her thoughts, causing her to hunch over in pain. Depicting the brain as a cave with no end in sight demonstrates how her suffering is eternal, she cannot escape the confines of her mind. With hair covering her face, the girl could be anyone, showcasing how many people go through such struggles in private, unable to tell anyone of their suffering. Relating to the theme of Finding Beauty in Illness, this painting embodies how the mental struggles that we go through can be the biggest source of inspiration for art.

Artist Statement: I conceived this portrait while sitting in a doctor’s office and acting as a translator for my mother. The decision to create a portrait of her led me to explore the abstract form of sculpture. Figurative sculptures often carry connotations of memorialization, which my mother associated with the deceased. To capture her essence in a more dynamic way, I turned to abstraction. Wood serves as a fitting medium for her representation, mirroring her aging process and her brown skin. In this portrait, I sought to convey the ever-present pain caused by her arthritis. Chronic pain cannot be depicted as a fleeting emotion; it clings to one's being. It's as if the pain has become a part of her. Yet, I also wanted to show that despite this constant struggle, she has not let it diminish her dignity or playful spirit. I recall moments when she would wear her green nightgown, and I would gently massage her hands and legs. It was as though her pain extended beyond her physical form, seeping into the fabric and through her limbs.

Artist Statement: I notice beauty in the mundane or overlooked. Seeing nature break through concrete is a metaphor to overcoming one’s own health issues.