TMLA Fine Arts - Art Showcase
Artist: Alina Charles
In my sustained investigation, I explore the relationship between my Haitian heritage and my identity as a Haitian- American student; the daughter of immigrant parents. The relationship between my culture and my American identity addresses the incorrect representation of myself and other Haitian-Americans in Western media. Instead of standing powerless in the face of racial and cultural stereotypes, I will reclaim the negative imagery associated with my country of origin and turn it into a means of praise and recognition. Bringing light to the true hardships and power of the Haitian Island.
This piece represents the true magic of Haitian culture found in a domestic kitchen pantry.
Alina is going to study Illustration at the Rhode Island School of Design.
Artist: Melody Liu
For my sustained investigation I chose to explore various types of anticipation. A portion of the situations came from personal experiences and some are imagined. At first, I wanted my illustrations to reflect intense and dynamic situations however as my progress evolved they became more diverse, incorporating various situations or emotions that follow the theme of anticipation.
This piece represents the complicated emotions surrounding anticipating the end of childhood.
Melody is going to study Fine Art at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, (FIT).
Artist: Gabriella Bortot
In my sustained instigation, I wanted to explore my friends' worst fears. I wanted to understand why my friends had their fears, and use their personal feelings and characteristics in my pieces. In order to do this, I interviewed my friends and asked why they had their phobia, and used that specific information when creating my sustained investigation.Throughout my pieces, my goal was to properly express their fears and even incorporate the fear into a few pieces to emphasize how the phobia is real, valid, and frightening for many people.
Gabriella is going to study Industrial Design at the Savannah School of Art and Design (SCAD).
Artist: Fiona Sheahan
Growing up as a Chinese adoptee in America has impacted my relationships not only with others but also myself. Although more than 81,000 children from China are adopted in the United States, the topic remains enigmatic. I wanted to share the psychological impacts of adoption by reflecting on my personal experiences and exploring my simultaneous desires to conform and be original.I analyzed occurrences in my life, both positive and negative, to create a psychological portrait of the invisible nature of this experience.
Fiona is going to study Psychology at Stony Brook University.
Artist: Julia Israel
My sustained investigation explores my relationship with grief, specifically drawing from experiences I lived through in the aftermath of my father dying from cancer in late 2016.I was only eleven at the time of my father’s passing so his death had a large impact on my emotional and social development. I was forced to learn and deal with issues most people won’t deal with until adulthood.
I found it hard to relate to anything my friends were dealing with and I wanted to explore how I could illustrate this isolating experience.
Julia is going to study Fine Art / Jewelry Design at MassArt (Massachusetts College of Art and Design).
Artist: Stefanie Michelitsch
In my sustained investigation, I explored the connection between architecture and nature, the difference in environments, and contrasting architectural designs. I expressed the impact that industrial structures have on our surroundings. I highlighted specific environmental elements in my pieces.
Through the transition in my investigation, I began to depict complex structures and mark techniques. Ultimately, I developed my own type of architectural style.
Stefanie is going to study Architecture at the Pratt Institute School of Architecture.
Highlights from our painting class this year included a project to paint famous TMLA alumni for Black History Month. Painting students were commissioned by TMLA Black Student Union to create the portraits. Inspired by the quilts of Gee Bends and artist Faith Ringgold, they included fun biographical information around the borders.
Finally, here are a selection of special projects completed by painting students who participated in the St. John's College Advantage Scheme this year. They receive 3 credits each eligible semester. For this project they were required to paint a meaningful object in an interesting way.
