Moon Portuondo, Grade 10, "The Real Unspoken"
Medium: Digital
School: HS for Law Enforcement and Public Safety 28Q690
Teacher: Stefanie Abbey
In 2020, I used my mental health and my struggles as my inspiration. I started out with some sloppy examples before I started on the main piece. As someone who has struggled with depression and self-harm I really wanted to show and include the side of 2020, I feel not a lot of teens experienced, because they're scared, they'll be judged by their families or their peers. In a way I also feel as if I was trying to speak my truth and tell myself that my depression and what I go through is part of me and my self-growth; I shouldn't suppress that part of me because I'm scared of what others think or say.
Madelyn Sendor, Grade12, "Untitled"
Medium: Digital photo
Millennium HS (02418M)
Art Teacher: Lisa DiFilippo
"Untitled"
When the lockdown began, I felt trapped. School closed very suddenly, which meant not only saying goodbye to all my friends quickly, but saying goodbye to my father and sister who were quarantined elsewhere. I was mentally drained every day and in a constant state of wondering and waiting: when would I get my friends and family back? I barely spoke to my mother, the only other person I was with. I didn't even leave my room or go on walks. Every day was the same, staying up until sunrise watching the empty streets, and sleeping all day.
Sabra Carter, Grade 9, "Dread"
Sabra Carter, Grade 9
Medium: Digital Drawing
School: Humanities and Arts High School Q498
Teacher: Jane Judson
"Dread"
This piece shows the mental anguish faced during the pandemic. I have felt trapped in my home, unable to start high school like I would have, if not for COVID-19. I have not been able to meet my teachers or classmates or to go out and participate in society. Left alone with my thoughts and my art, this work was therapeutic as are the many pieces I have made through this difficult time. Art has been a welcome escape from the reality that I am confined to isolation.
Sarah Harridathsingh, Grade 9, "Safe On My Own"
Sarah Harridathsingh, Grade 9
Medium: Digital Photography
School: Humanities and Arts High School Q498
Teacher: Jane Judson
"Safe On My Own"
In my piece, I wanted to display the disparity going on in society today, as the outside world can seem so scary while the inside world of isolation at home can actually be a safe haven for some. To me, the comfort I have in my home has been a saving grace as I have navigated my first year of high school as a blended student. As much as the world has become a frightening place, I have remained positive and try to enjoy what I have.
Isabel Herrara, Grade 9, "Popped"
Isabel Herrara, Grade 9
Medium: Digital Photography
School: Humanities and Arts High School Q498
Teacher: Jane Judson
"Popped"
I used many symbols in my work to convey the uneasy feelings I have experienced during the pandemic. I wanted the hands to represent stress, depression and anxiety trying to pop the bubble the girl was in. It's like she was creating her own safe zone so she wouldn't have to worry about anything outside of that. The reality is that not being able to leave is actually hurting her. I wanted to show how all of the emotions alone were going to pop the bubble she has relied on so much.
Rahya McClaire, Grade 9, "Entangled"
Rahya McClaire, Grade 9
Medium: Digital Photography
School: Humanities and Arts High School Q498
Teacher: Jane Judson
"Entangled"
This piece shows me enclosed within caution tape to represent the quarantine we have all endured. It was a strange experience to be so isolated and to start high school during a time where we are all viewed as a risk. All of the thoughts in my head have swirled as I've navigated this tough time, yet I still remain hopeful. My gaze displays the positivity that we will move on and break free from the virus that has consumed so much of our lives.
Genesis Regis, Grade 9, "Self Isolation"
Genesis Regis, Grade 9
Medium: Digital Photography
School: Humanities and Arts High School Q498
Teacher: Jane Judson
"Self Isolation"
In my artwork, I wanted to capture the feeling of being trapped during this devastating, stressful, and chaotic time. Due to the pandemic, families/friends have lost loved ones, lost their jobs, have trouble paying bills, and have a hard time feeding their families. How long will it take for everything to get back to normal? When will I have enough money to feed my children? Kids have to go into a new grade, starting a whole new school online because parents are afraid to send their kids back to the building. Some people feel like they are going nowhere soon, unable to interact with too many people, and stuck at home feeling alone.
Micheal Ewen, Grade 12, - "Consumption"
Michael Ewen, Grade 12
Medium: Digital Photography
School: Humanities and Arts High School Q498
Teacher: Jane Judson
"Consumption"
This self portrait was made to display the discomfort and overwhelming impact that the pandemic has had on my mental state. It has been very challenging to finish high school as a fully remote student. I feel like we have been robbed of many of the traditional aspects of being a high school Senior. The words that consume me are the feelings and fears that I have had throughout this last year, as most of my life has occurred in the walls of my home.
Jahmani Robinson, Grade 12, "Shattered Innocence"
Jahmani Robinson, Grade 9 Medium: Digital Photography
School: Humanities and Arts High School Q498
Teacher: Jane Judson
"Shattered Innocence"
The pandemic has created chaos and hysteria across so many facets of our lives. Amongst that, came a focus on the Black Lives Matter Movement, as more and more people of color are being treated unjustly. This piece displays me in the middle of it all. The narrative behind it reveals how I appear to majority of society and how I stand still and try to remain innocent in the presence of all that is going on around me.
Omniya Zbar, Grade 11, " Life in New York City During Covid"
Mixed Media
School: Brooklyn High School of the Arts
Art Teacher: Marne Meisel
" Life in New York City During Covid"
Sitting at a table in a desolate setting, with decay and rocks around them because NYC stopped ticking last year and we desperately wanted to get out of our apartment. I never expected the COVID pause. No one did. These people are enjoying communicating even though it is a difficult setting.
Jaime Castro, Grade 12, "Self Portrait
Jaime Castro Grade 12
Medium: Acrylic
Brooklyn HS for the Arts
Art Teacher: Marne Meisel
"Self Portrait"
This was a self portrait created during covid lock down last spring. It is fun to explore lots of art materials at home. This is what was created.
Zoe Chang, Grade 11, "Xenophobia and Covid19”
Medium: Digital;
Brooklyn High School of the Arts K
Art Teacher: Marne Meidel
“Xenophobia and Covid19”
Since 2020 happened, a lot of Asians faced harassment because we were told that we were to blame for COVID-19 and it affected how we are treated. I drew the girl wearing a mask being that in most East Asian cultures people wear a mask before and when they get sick. The bird was used to represent the people who see our struggles and pain. The flower is an Eschscholzia Golden Poppy that represents peace. I wanted the background to be stormy to show her state of mind. I made the composition diagonal and the bird flying upward to show that it's going to get better and that there are people who see our struggles without any ethnic bias.
Kelly Escalona, Grade 12, Pandemic Tears
Kelly Ecalona Grade 12
Medium: watercolor,markers & pencil
HS for Excellence & Innovation 06M423
Art Teacher: Laura Ricca
I created a portrait of someone that has had an impact on me during the Covid -19 Pandemic. I chose to create a portrait of myself representing the strength that I carry. I waited for paints but they never arrived so I used my markers and added water to get the painterly effect.
Perla Rodriguez, Grade 12, Chimbollo
Perla Rodriguez Grade12
Medium: pencil , sketchbook, marker, pen , crayons
HS for Excellence & Innovation 06M423
Art Teacher: Laura Ricca
“Chimbolo”
What this art represents to me is a part of the pandemic. I recreated a drawing of this album because I listened to all of the songs on the album during the pandemic. Some challenges I had with this drawing was trying to recreate the realistic. And as for the colors I choose , I just picked what was closest to the real thing.
Nusaybah Laguda - Grade 10 - "Completing the Puzzle"
Medium: Photography
School: Brooklyn High School of the Arts, 15K656
Teacher: Lauren Rocco
Over quarantine I became closer with my siblings, and learned more about what they like and dislike. While we were completing the puzzle, I learned that my sister, is really good at completing puzzles, and is very competitive. And they also learned more about what my strengths are.
