Exhibition Date: August, 2023
Class 118
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Perfect Imperfections
- Alexa Granja
I am exploring the social pressure to be "perfect" and its ambiguity. I aim to show that the concept of perfection varies from person to person and culture to culture. This project became an opportunity to critically examine societal expectations and self-perception through a visually captivating collage.
Growing up in a very closed-minded society in Mérida, Mexico, where different is wrong, and being "perfect" is the norm, contemplating and questioning has always been part of my life. With this piece, I hope to initiate contemplation and meaningful discussions on this subject.
My decision to create a collage was driven by a deep love for this creative form. The colours, shapes, and textures that are involved have always sparked my interest. I'm using black and white photos that I took of classmate volunteers, edited to fit my aesthetic vision. Additionally, I'm using different colours to create contrast, and to turn them into an Idol , which is a common theme in Mexican art. While researching artists , Annegret Soultau's work particularly inspired me.
Materials: Photography, paper, paint on canvas
Ghosts Sharing Oranges
- Gabrielle H. Roberge
For as long as I can remember, I have developed a fondness for eating oranges. I recall sneaking onto the roof of my childhood inn with oranges, sharing them with my dog, and eating them while watching my grandma paint. These memories seem like yesterday, however, when I find myself face-to-face with a child, I suddenly feel so grown up.
This piece is to recognize childhood - something innocent and distant. I used reference photos of my home, oranges, and my childhood dog that passed during Term 2. I wanted to express myself with oil paints. The same paints that my late grandma used; I taught myself since she could not teach me. My aim was for this piece to feel like a love letter to my younger self. Peeling oranges represent my optimism, hope, and love for the future ahead of my 12-year-old self.
Materials: Oil paint on canvas
Puppet
- Yiqing Luo
Jimmy O. Yang, a famous Asian-American stand-up comedian, said, “Asian parents’ love language is verbal abuse.” This was my childhood. I want to share my story because it is quite common in Chinese families.
I used traditional Chinese shadow play, an art that is 2000 years old, to present a contemporary story. The puppets are colourful and playful, which contrasts the darker meaning and my desire to raise awareness of the power of education, and parents’ negative words and behaviour.
I chose to show my artwork in the corner of the room with a small screen instead of a big monitor, because the puppets are also behind a screen. This is a metaphor that connects to my own lack of confidence, caused by my parents’ education. However, creating this piece and having the opportunity to show it has made me feel more self-assured.
Materials: Leather, watercolour, semi-transparent cloth, wood
I’ll Do My Best!
- Josh Miko Galbo
Idols have played an important role in my life - being able to uplift my spirits even in the lowest points of my life. I wanted to create a cracked figure to capture the allure and fragility of not only the idols themselves, but the idol industry as a whole. By depicting cracks on my sculpture, I aim to reflect the imperfections and mistakes behind their policed facade. They are perfect until you take a closer look, which is what a lot of their “fans” tend to start noticing.
This is a reminder about how idols, even if shining brightly on stage and doing their best to perform for their fans, are also humans, and they very easily crack under pressure and the constant harsh criticism they receive - just like anyone else would,
Materials: Polymer Clay
An Animation of a Nuclear Bomb
- Michael Mueller
Nuclear weapons provide the people in power all-powerful control. Nuclear war is avoided by the threat of nuclear war. The public has every right to be concerned. Who is to ensure our safety, when the thing to keep us safe is also the greatest weapon of war?
I wanted to animate a scene. I chose the topic of nuclear because it is a consistent presence in society. I understood the dark reality of a nuclear weapon, and worked to show a contrast of tonal value in my art. I understand the continuous effort required in allowing peace. I wanted to display softer colours in my work, to illustrate the idea of softer times. Animation is very calming to me, and I think all should be allowed this calm.
Materials: Paper, Pencil crayon, Watercolour, Adobe Suite
Helping Hand
- BG
When I was a child, I always helped my grandpa carry wood to his home. It would get to be too much, grabbing all the pieces of wood, and I distinctly remember one moment, wishing that I had many arms like Doc Ock from Spider-Man.
I created a sculpture of a helping hand, as I’m sure that I’m not the only one who has wanted one. To make this into reality, I used masking tape, 2-gauge wire, wood glue, toilet paper rolls and newspaper. It took time, patience and focus. The wood glue needs plenty of time to dry so making the sculpture gave me time to reflect.
Hands communicate powerful messages. I wanted to create an outstretched, welcoming hand not only as a childhood memory but as a reminder that everyone can receive help and give it.
Materials: Masking Tape, 2-Gauge Wire, Wood glue, Toilet paper rolls, and Newspaper
Last Minute
- Yeram Cho
Do you procrastinate? Have you ever experienced the fear of an upcoming deadline with no progress? I have experienced many failures due to my habit of procrastination, as well as the anxiety that comes with it.
My art project is a 19 second stop-motion animation where the main character procrastinates a task and faces the consequences. This project is a self-reflection and a resolution for myself.
I am inspired by Indigenous artist, KC Hall, who creates modern art, mixing traditional Indigenous figures with humorous pop-art twists. I tried to integrate humor into this project so that it can be a friendly reminder for the viewers: there will be consequences for procrastination!
Materials: Clay. wires, video
Breathe
- Tony Guo
I created a painting that is like a powerful song that makes you feel different things all at once. It reflects the ups and downs of anxiety, making you think about your own struggles.
I used vivid colours to express emotions, showing how it feels inside. The colours also bring a sense of freedom and freshness - It's like a breath of fresh air that helps you let go of your fears and embrace the unknown. It reminds us that there is hope.
My art is a reflection of human emotions, and it's here to remind you that you have the strength to face anxiety, and find freedom and peace within yourself. When you look at my artwork, you'll feel like you're taking a deep breath, releasing all the heavy stuff inside you, and feeling lighter.
Materials: Acrylic Paint on Canvas
Rotting Away with the Fictional World
- Anna Leung
Embark on a journey within an artwork resonating with our modern existence, intricately weaving life’s threads with burnout’s specter. In this tech-driven era, we’re confined indoors by the web, meant to liberate. I channeled their essence by drawing from Gratz’s textures and Burton’s allure.
The canvas pulses gray-scale and monochrome purple, mirroring the struggle against societal pressures. Strokes unite sharp angles and gentle curves, bridging solitude and conformity. Textured walls breathe melancholy, encapsulating our yearning for liberation. Gray, purple, and black hues converge, painting the toll of burnout.
Step closer to unraveling emotions on this canvas. A reflective mirror of our tethered reality, it prioritizes well-being in a tech-driven world. This artwork poignantly reminds us of battles and calls us to reclaim life from modern clutches.
Materials: Air-drying clay, Acrylic paint, Cardboard, Sewing
Life Snapshots
- Gemkyle Endaya
I created a series of paintings framed like a Polaroid or presented like a photo taken on a film camera. They are “snapshots” of my life. Sometimes I'm shortsighted and let the anxieties of the future and past get to me. This artwork is a reminder of the simple
moments in life that bring me joy and a reminder to appreciate the present. I Created loose lines and crude shapes like a plein air painter would trying to capture the moment before it changes. I primarily used blue because for me it is a symbol of freedom, comfort and security. I Hope these paintings remind the viewer to take the time to celebrate the small joys in life and not take them for granted. Amid life's hustle, it's essential to pause and revel in these instances.
Materials: Acrylic Paint on Canvas
Brave Horizons
- John Chua
As a child, I would stargaze at night, searching for meaning in the stars. During my childhood, nobody encouraged me on what I could become. I created this artwork to reflect my experience of regretting past mistakes without anyone acknowledging it's normal.
I chose to create a black and white abstract collage for the portrait to represent nostalgia. I used water-soluble graphite with an acrylic and oil pastel background. I used flowing lines to create appealing guidelines that relate to each other, holding significant meaning. The colours represent the Philippines where I grew up. The beautiful sunsets, hot weather, sandy beaches, and sparkling aquamarine ocean.
Overall, this offers a thought-provoking perspective on the human condition. It reminds us of our potential to overcome obstacles, explore the unfamiliar, and emerge wiser, never faltering in the face of uncertainty.
I hope this piece inspires others to pursue their dreams and give their best in life.
Materials: Water Soluble Graphite / Oil Pastels / Acrylic
Carabao
- Keeper Bering
As a 1st generation immigrant living in Canada, experiencing a rift between identities is common among those who've immigrated from a different country. Living my childhood and a portion of my teenage years in the Philippines created a cultural anchor for me which forever preserved my identity as a Filipino. However, having also moved here during my first year of high-school has created a separate identity. One that is not Filipino. I know that I’m not alone in experiencing this issue as I was inspired to create this piece by an article called, “Recovering Filipino“ by Jim Agapito. Because of these conflicting identities, I believe that it is important to reconnect to my origins. Creating a wire sculpture of The Carabao, the Philippine national animal, has helped me reconnect with my culture. The Carabao symbolizes strength, efficiency, perseverance and most importantly, hard work. I find analog works of art difficult as I often work digitally. However, it seems that in even creating this piece by hand, I deeply connected to the traits of The Carabao on a personal level.
Materials: Armature wire, Coloured nylon, Turf, Faux plants, Wooden pallet, Nails
Break Free
- Yubin Song
This work is an expression of me trying to break away from my past self. The figure on the canvas is a young "me" before coming to Canada, and what is expressed in wire is the current "me" trying to escape the past. Before I came here, there was an expression in Korea, “frog in a well.” That was me, living in a small world. But after coming to Vancouver, I experienced a new world by meeting people from different countries and I received lots of support and advice from friends and teachers. I also got inspiration and perspective from looking at the scenery that is different from where I lived. I chose wire because it has both tenderness and strength that could represent my feelings and passion. And through this work, I was able to learn about a new “ me”.
Materials: Wire, Canvas, Cable tie, markers
Feather
- Mary Shirley
As an aboriginal art student, I created my artwork to help raise awareness for the hundreds of murdered and missing indigenous women in Canada.
Indigenous Women are among the most targeted individuals when it comes to hate crimes and human trafficking. These women have suffered injustice for far too long and I wanted to give a voice and represent these struggles.
Due to my skin being lighter, I never experienced any sort of racial violence or any other type of racially driven act, however; countless members in my family and community haven’t been so fortunate. Many of my own family have suffered injustice, gone missing or have been murdered due to a hate crime, which was part of the reason why growing up I was never allowed to be so public about my identity and where I come from.
I wanted to create a digital artwork because the most effective way to reach people with a message is digitally.
Materials: Digital Medium in Photoshop
Ignored
- Brynn Llewellyn
As a woman, I have been ignored when raising concerns about menstrual pains, being told to work through the pain and do so with a smile or told I'm overreacting. One day, I might have a serious issue with my reproductive organs, and I fear it will be overlooked, due to the negligence of a doctor. In my experience, the medical system lacks knowledge and is uncomfortable talking about women’s health.
I created this sculpture to show how women are ignored by society. It is a visual representation of loneliness and a graphic representation of what the world wants us to look like. When a woman feels like there's something wrong with her body, she shouldn't feel ashamed or afraid to ask for help and get subsequently be IGNORED.
Materials: Paper Mache, Foam Clay, LEDs, Blow Up Mannequin, Acrylic Paint
Sketchbook
- Mitch Pugh
From birth to thirteen is when your brain takes in the most information in your life, but what if those years were filled with hardships, and how does that affect your life as a child and an adult?
My project shows what it is like to grow up under the influence of negative life-changing experiences. My series of child-like drawings evoke traumatic events.
Art communicates emotions even for the very young. I'm inviting viewers to participate and create their own expressions by adding to the scrapbook, perhaps as a cathartic experience..
Materials: Sketchbook and Crayons
Escapism
- Tim De Jong
The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines escapism as the "habitual diversion of the mind to purely imaginative activity or entertainment as an escape from reality or routine.” I created this piece to show others that we all share these feelings, and that they are not alone in the desire to be at ease. I discovered the fantastical world of paper sculptures and created my artwork about escapism using this medium. Remembering the surprise and joy of pop-up books when I was a child, I have made a pop-up about escapism. I have learned so much by consulting videos and talking with a paper artist who works in Vancouver. I used cardstock, origami and watercolour paper for the project. I want the viewers to experience surprise and wonder when looking at my piece, as a reminder to seek those experiences in life as a healthy way to forget about their problems, and escape reality for a short period of time.
Materials: Paper, Origami paper, Water paper, Cardstock paper, matboard, glue and scissors
Pressure
- John Cruz
To live comfortably, you have to learn in post-secondary and learn something "useful" for your future instead of skills to support your "hobbies". To succeed, you have to think of what you can do you that is productive and perhaps put aside your "dreams" for your future.
These statements are most likely heard by many children and young adults who pursue dreams of working in the entertainment industry. A seemingly innocent yet painful statement from parents and elders that can repeat like a broken record and one that can easily be translated into "you will fail,” and “you do not have our support.”
I created this artwork to visually represent the impact of these statements that can transform the wild playful work of childlike curiosity into a bleak and suffocating white, leaving only a husk of black in a once colourful world of imagination.
Materials: Monochrome, Acrylic, Unstretched Canvas (60x90), Stretched canvas (10x20)
Neon Memories
- Nicholas Chang
The decline of neon art marks the loss of an important part of Hong Kong's history and culture. The once thriving art style that populated the streets of Hong Kong, lighting the night sky with warm neon radiance, has been steadily declining since 2010. Due to the rise of cheaper LEDs and safety concerns over the large signs that hang over the streets, this beautiful art style is slowly fading away.
I created this artwork because of my personal connection to Hong Kong. I go back to visit family in Hong Kong every two years and everytime I go, I see less and less neon signs. Neon signs are a big part of Hong Kong's nighttime personality, and it saddens me to see them disappear over time. A Hong Kong without that neon glow at night just wouldn't be the same.
I hope that I can bring awareness for the fading art style in Hong Kong with my art piece..
Materials: 85lb paper, 2 types of red gel, LEDs, baking sheets, spacers, straws
Neo World
- Isaiah Teixeira
Nature and man-made creations share remarkably parallels in their beauty, yet each possesses a distinct essence. Nature’s allure lies in its untouched splendor from breathtaking landscapes, evoking a sense of awe and peace. On the other hand, human-made creations showcase artistry and ingenuity, born from imagination and skill. Architectural marvels, technological advancements, and artistic masterpieces reveal the boundless potential of human creativity. The beauty of nature is timeless, reminding us of the wonders of the natural world. In contrast, human creations represent the triumphs of human endeavor and the ability to shape our surroundings. Both sides offer captivating beauty that enriches are lives. That’s why I believe that we need a balance between nature and man. In my piece I show an imbalance of nature and man by having a metal city with one single sapling siting on a building. This implies that there is more man-made than nature in this future.
Materials: Digital animation, graphics pad and pen, Adobe Animate, and Adobe Fresco
Circle of Life
- Sing Han
The concept of death has always fascinated me. It’s crazy to think that every living being on the earth has their unique memories disappear when they die. This fascination is what led me to make my project, Circle of Life, which is inspired by the Divine Feminine album cover by Mac Miller. I incorporated two of the design principles: direction, and value. The polaroid pictures on my sculpture gradually get darker, which is symbolic for the uncertainty of the future, they go clockwise Going into this project I already had a strong idea of my central theme, rebirth, however I wanted to make it more personal, so I researched symbols within Asian culture, and I decided to use Yin and Yang, and another Korean myth. I mostly used household materials, but I had to buy the camera, and clock.
Materials: Canvas, painting suplies, clock, polaroid camera, templates, and glue
Klash
- Divjot Pannu
Good vs Evil. Light vs Dark. Night vs Day. All are complete opposites, but they all share something in common: they are all separated by a fine line. Night and day by a few hours, good and evil simply who it is perceived by. This animation will explore that "fine line" or grey area, and explore it in a visual medium. The specifics of the project are going to relate to me on a personal level, due to me using the seven elements of design to deliver this piece with fragments of Sikh history. I will use the colors significant to the history of Sikhism and, images of what they would use in a battle between two opposing forces, a Klash if you would.
Materials: Digital Animation
