Exhibition Date: August 2026
Class 134
Scroll ↓
FOCUS
- Cloudy Yang
The traditional Chinese phoenix crown inspired me because I wanted to reconnect with my cultural background and educate people who may not know much about Chinese culture. I hope people can look beyond its beauty and become curious about its history and craftsmanship.
Some crowns from the Ming Dynasty even used thin bamboo to create the base structure before adding detailed decorations. The materials and designs could also show the status of the woman wearing the crown. Today, the old royal system no longer exists, but modern versions of the phoenix crown can still be seen in Chinese weddings, traditional dress, cultural performances, and modern designs.
My project is called Focus because I often have trouble staying focused and can lose interest before finishing something. Making my own version of the phoenix crown requires a lot of time, patience, and attention to detail. This project challenges me to slow down, stay focused, and finish what I started.
Materials: Pipe Cleaners, Fake pearls & gems, Beads, Wire, and Glue.
A DÓNDE VA EL VIENTO
- Luciana García Salinas
Monarch butterflies are known for their famous two way migration, taking a multigenerational journey from Canada to Mexico and back. Because this path is in them genetically, no single butterfly completes the entire round trip, instead, each generation continues what past ones began.
I see monarch butterflies as a metaphor for migration. A journey deeply rooted in my own heritage at the migration’s destination. Like the monarchs, my path across was paved by the sacrifice, endurance, and memory of those who came before me, and because of that I was able to add my own path to the journey. I really resonated with the saying of “the butterfly that leaves is not the same one that returns”.
To capture the emotional journey of this passage, I chose animation as my medium. Digital 2D movement allowed me to get across the balance between the white screen and the black screen.
Materials: 2D Digital Animation
HIDDEN WITHIN
- Tess Sawkins
I chose this concept because it reflects two important ways I have learned to manage anxiety. Music has consistently helped me process emotions and find calm in everyday life. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I also discovered spray painting as a creative outlet that helped me release stress and express emotions that were difficult to put into words. I chose painting because it allows me to communicate these experiences through colour, texture, and movement in a way that feels honest. Using a real vinyl record creates a direct connection to music, which is central to my concept.
Combining spray paint and acrylic brings together the two creative outlets that have supported me through different stages of my life, making this medium the most personal and meaningful way to share my experience. It represents growth, resilience, and the comfort I continue to find through creativity. Every layer reflects persistence.
Materials: Spray Paint, Vinyl Record, Vinyl Cover
INNER THINKING
- Ben Lee
Ever have a very difficult time choosing what to do? The feeling of being stuck between two or more choices, having different ideas to try out, and being uncertain about where to start?
I have, because I've been given so many diverse options to choose from and ideas to try out, whether it's figuring out what to create for a project or what I should buy for groceries. I felt stuck until I figured out what to do and where to start.
We have all been struggling with where to start, yet I'm curious about what is going on inside my head as I go through this chaotic process. This concept is important to my project because ideas and choices are constantly changing, in motion. It doesn’t stay stationary, nor is it seen only in one view. That’s what makes a 3D animation the most suitable choice to present this.
Materials: Video, 3D Animation
LEAF HOUSE
- Joven Singh
I went with painting, mainly because it allows me to make the background a bit lively. But also made it distinct from the leaf house, as it is made entirely different.
Not to forget the fact they contrast each other
visually, and it is acceptable to paint and glue. The paint allows to blend to make extreme beauty, and the glue was able to stick the leaves strongly well and fully sealed.
I came up with this piece through my kid years; I used to go camping at around seven. Remembering those memories alongside the later half of my life, when I go hiking in the woods and mountains. Realizing the inner and outer beauty of the trees, grass, and scenery, I wished to live alongside mother nature. In the past I made school projects and crafts using plant life, having a good amount of creativity and brainstorming in my mind.
Materials: Real leaves, canvas, different layers of Green paint and blue paint, a jar of glue
