Submissions
Natalie and Jacob by Natalie Bultman
First place winner!
Addressing the issues of Covid-19, this piece represents the barriers or walls that have separated us from others. The walls represented in this socially distanced structure relate to being 6 feet apart, wearing masks, limits of group gatherings, screen barriers, and staying home. Through this journey, we are still connected; connection looks different and feels odd but at the end we will be stronger and more resilient.
This piece is in collaboration with Jacob Dean, a Senior at the University of Michigan.
Unprecedented Times by Rachel Rettie
Second place winner!
These proposed editorial illustrations depict the shifted lifestyle of the populace during quarantine. The first image describes the disparity between those who are able to work from home and essential workers; the second illustrates the spread amongst households along the "curve," and the third image speaks to the presence of asymptomatic carriers of COVID-19 that may not take the necessary precautions.
Psychosomatica I by Gracie Gebhard
Third place winner!
Psychosomatica I is an exploration of the feeling and the physical: the psychological and the somatic. The figure in the piece works within her geometric boundaries to emote these sentiments. Working within these geometric bounds is also germane to the concept of the pandemic, in that we, too, are forced to work within the constraints in which we have been placed, in order to channel our inner sentiments, and to also live.
What Am I Doing? by Mac Realo
My work strives to challenge, reinvent, and initiate discussion around the standards of masculinity in today’s society. What does it mean to be a man? How would the world be different if power, aggression, and stoicism weren’t at the top of the list in describing masculinity? What would happen if men allowed themselves to be vulnerable and express emotion? Choosing to share my own investigation of manhood through self portraiture increases vulnerability and dissipates shame in myself; it simultaneously engages the viewer directly, encouraging introspection.
Young Wolverines by Lily Price
This piece is meant to represent my interpretation of what it is like to be a student in the COVID-19 pandemic dealing with remote learning. It deals with self-image and the scrutiny we put ourselves under especially women. It is meant to be raw, uncomfortable, and truthful.
Photo by Joan Xiao
Quarantine has been an opportunity to explore more of nature and appreciate the beauty of the seasons within the bubble of friends you're in. Let yourself take control and step away from the mundane routines of what could be when at home all day in order to take a breath of fresh air.
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Man in Yellow by Janielle Calaunan
It was only the third time I touched oil paint with the past two times being mediocre or flat-out incorrect. But, I finally made something that I was wholeheartedly proud of for myself as opposed to having the pressure of making a good art piece for someone else. And now I want the world to see it.
Photo by Julia Schachinger
During the initial Covid-19 restrictions when I could not see anyone outside my household, my escape was driving to local Metroparks to spend time with some wildlife. For those few hours I would forget about the world falling apart, and life felt normal for little bit. In the photo is a mother Sandhill Crane with her few day old colt.
Instagram @juliaschachingerphoto
Bumpa by Madison Grosvenor
This is a dry-point etching print of my great grandpa George, but he was always known as “Bumpa” to me. Bumpa was the ferry boat captain of the Manitou Isle and Mishe Mokwa on Lake Michigan for close to 50 years.
American Dhulan by Riya Aggarwal
In Hindi, "dhulan" means bride. This piece, done in various mediums ranging from watercolor, colored pencil, fabric, and gold leafing, with dimensions of 16" x 18", is a rendition of a traditional Indian bride decorated in intricate ornaments and clothing. This piece depicts the struggle between following strict Indian expectations and growing up in American society.
Pattern of Birds by Dani Tutak
This is a repeating pattern of a collection of birds that carry meaning for me. Whether a symbol of my departed grandfather for my family, a favorite bird of a dear friend, or a childhood fear, each of these birds has meaning to me and memories carried with each. They embody a gruesome beauty in their death as in their stillness it allows for them to be studied and appreciated even though their lives are over, just as the past is over but can still be looked back upon and appreciated.
More Statistics. by Kian McDonough
We pledge our allegiance to a nation in which over 243,000 people will perish at the hands of Covid-19 by the end of the month. We pledge our allegiance to a country where thousands of mothers, fathers, siblings, and friends have been reduced to mere statistics in the continual tally of human loss. We pledge our allegiance to a flag saturated with the blood of its disciples.
Photo by Rachel Ahn
In these times, it is important to recognize and enjoy the beauty of nature. This rose caught my eye during quarantine, and it brought positivity into my day.
Fleur du Coeur by Keri Yang
This painting “Fleur du Coeur” symbolizes the untamed garden of a heart ripping open the female body. Although it is overgrown and wild- there lies an inherent beauty in the chaos.
Wellness Plan for Working at Home by Nicole Kim
Transitioning to remote work in response to COVID-19 produced a productivity slump for me, and prioritizing the health of my friends and family gave insight into what they have been doing to overcome psychological disruptions. Their creative and informative advice inspired me to create these illustrations. I hope these will comfort those who are struggling and motivate those needing to kick-start their day. Allowing ourselves to rest and make sure we are in a healthy headspace is most important.
Photo by Julia Khater
A photo of my friends and many other students trying to adapt to study groups during the pandemic. This was the easiest of times but with the cold weather, socializing safely has been becoming more difficult.
A COVID Wedding by Amanda Cheung
My piece "A COVID Wedding" explores the bittersweet relationship we have with the interaction between advancing technology and humanity amidst COVID. During this pandemic, many plans were cancelled and people had to make up for that lost potential. I relate to this a lot: I feel that I have lost a lot of the traditional high school senior and college experience, as well as the simple (in-person) human contact that I always used to take for granted; this is ultimately what inspired my piece, but I wanted to show it through a more sacred event.