Visual Art

Musical Escape

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My art represents music’s function as a coping mechanism through escapism, as seen in the bar-like shadows that are imposed upon the woman playing piano. When a person feels trapped, they might look towards music as an outlet for their emotions as well as to cope with reality. To many people, listening to music brings hope and joy to a life they might find otherwise dull, and it fills us with the courage and strength we need to surpass our limits and live our lives to the fullest.

Headphones

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Sometimes we have to take things a day at a time, and for many people the melodies of their favorite songs are the reason why they persevered to tomorrow. Some days, it’s a battle to make it to see the sunrise of the next. For many, they use their headphones to run to tomorrow. Your mental health does need to be noticed, but I believe that sometimes a motivator to make it to the next day is more crucial. You shouldn’t ignore your mental health or any signs, but it’s okay to turn to an anchor, such as music, to make it to tomorrow. Because tomorrow will be better.

Making Our Marks

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My entry represents different civil rights issues that impact me, my family, and my friends. I wanted to symbolize that people and peaceful protests make their mark on the world in order to help others come together and fight for human rights. I also wanted to show that the road has been rough and these issues aren’t going away but that doesn’t mean we should ever stop fighting for what’s right.

The Effects Of Music

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I designed this to show how powerful music you love can affect you. In the context of this artwork, it depicts a girl working at a fast food chain. Everything around her is grey and boring, but once she listens to music it empowers her to keep going.

We The People

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This piece highlights the importance of peaceful protest. Like Dolores Huerta, it shows the resilience minorities have when they work together nonviolently. There are so many movements that fight for civil rights currently. I couldn’t pick just one. Collaboration and solidarity between people is powerful, and can uplift others.

Voice From Within

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Music can be a way to express yourself and let things go. When you express yourself through lyrics or singing you have a chance to be heard and relate to people through music. The burst of energy and strength from within is powerful and gives one a sense of accomplishment.

Embers of Hope

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My entry for the hope category is to highlight the efforts of firefighters. This month the California fires have destroyed over 10,000 homes and pose a very dangerous risk to the health of communities. These fires are terrifying and have caused so much destruction yet in times like this the most important thing is to have hope. My artwork depicts a home burning and a firefighter putting it out. The firefighter is an array of vibrant colors with a blue aura surrounding him and reflecting on the structure in front of him. This blue is not only meant to be a contrast to the warm colors behind him, it is to represent the power that comes from the strength and courage to help others in such dire times.

Rise with the Rhythm

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My drawing represents an exaggerated version of how I feel when I listen to music in my alone time. It makes me very happy and uplifted, it energizes me to get done what I need to do. Music relieves stress and inspires me, which helps my mental health.

I Am Seen

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Mental health is important to me and has always been something I’ve struggled with.

The Phantom

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The Phantom of the Opera was was outcast from society and forced underground. Throughout the story, in seeking justice, he inflicts the pain he felt back onto others, creating a cycle of injustice. The story is both a critique of an intolerant society and a critique of those who view the world with an ‘an eye for an eye’ perspective.