Welcome to ARAD Virtual Gallery! Celebrating our talented #ARADStudentArtists from Fall 2023, we feature diverse works including drawings, sculptures, ceramics, and printmaking. Read and learn more about their artistic journey!
Suzy Feng （ARAD ’25）— Protection and Danger
Suzy Feng (ARAD ’25), Protection and Danger, Wood, chicken wires, acrylic paints, and paper clip, 2023
Walking down the bustling streets of New York, sheds with mottled forest green paint supported by steel scaffoldings can be seen on the sidewalk. These sidewalk sheds serve as a crucial safety measure, shielding pedestrians from the potential hazards of falling debris. However, the sense of security provided by these structures often propels people to hasten their pace, seeking escape from the oppressive feeling induced by the precarious environment beneath the scaffolds.
In this urban setting, the sculpture work seeks to articulate the dichotomy between protection and danger in the cityscape. The medium employed involves wood blocks, mirroring the city streets. Utilizing plastic nets and steel wire mesh, open and closed spaces are created to convey the intricate and multifaceted nature of the street environment, particularly under varying forms of protective infrastructure.
Denzel li （ARAD ’24）— the watcher & Self-portrait
Denzel Li (ARAD ’24), The Watcher, Photo lithography, 12” x 12”, Edition of 5, 2023
Denzel Li (ARAD ’24), Self-Portrait, Plate lithography, 7.5’’ x 11”, Oct 2023
Tingwei Lin （ARAD ’25）— Uniqueness
Tingwei Lin (ARAD ’25), Uniqueness, Wood, crystal, and acrylic paints, 2023
In a world that often celebrates conformity and uniformity, the art world emphasizes diversity. The Values of Uniqueness is a captivating and thought-provoking sculpture project that seeks to explore the intrinsic beauty and significance of individuality. Art is a powerful vehicle for connecting the audience and creators. Each crystal possesses different intriguing stories. Also, in the middle, the base, which looks like a galaxy, presents the idea that we are living in the same universe but we have unique features and characteristics deserving to be found and appreciated. Uniqueness serves as a reminder that embracing and celebrating our individuality can be a powerful force for positive change and a source of inspiration for us all.
Chelsey guo （ARAD ’25）— untitled
Chelsey Guo (ARAD ’25), Untitled, Glazed stoneware and porcelain, 2023
Demi Zhao （ARAD ’25）— geometric amnesia
Demi Zhao (ARAD ’25), Geometric Amnesia, Wood, plaster, and acrylic paints, 2023
‘Geometric Amnesia’ is a project that delves into the tactile nature of materials and the imaginative world-building inspired by Miyazaki’s ‘Boy and Heron.’ The artwork transforms a basic wooden slat into an array of geometric shapes, creating an abstract yet meaningful visual dialogue. Central to the piece is the juxtaposition of the natural grain and texture of wood with smooth plaster and vivid acrylic paints, emphasizing the artist’s hand in transforming ordinary materials into something extraordinary. The artwork also reflects a metafictional blend of the film’s narrative depth with the artwork’s geometric forms, suggesting an intersection between the two worlds. This integration imbues the shapes with a sense of story and place, echoing the intricate cosmology and narrative landscape in Miyazaki’s film.
Xuan An （ARAD ’25）— figure drawing
Xuan An (ARAD ’25), Figure Drawing, Colored pencil on paper, 2023
XINYING WANG（ARAD ’25）— Untitled
Xinying Wang (ARAD ’25), Untitled, Resin, vase, and flowers, 2023
This artwork explores the theme of death and rebirth. It appears like a bouquet from a distance, but upon closer inspection, viewers would observe intricate details of the hand and the leaves. The composition, as well as the color of the leaves, mirrors the life cycle of plants, symbolizing the seasonal withering in winter and the rejuvenation upon the arrival of spring. Simultaneously, the gesture and the position of the hand draw parallels to the human life cycle, emphasizing the infinity of new beginnings. The deliberate choice of a tall vase as the stand adds a memorial quality to the piece. This choice suggests a sense of permanence and endurance, mirroring the enduring nature of memories that can transcend the boundaries of mortality.
Tingwei lin （ARAD ’25）— Freedom
Tingwei Lin (ARAD ’25), Freedom, Charcoal on paper, 2023
Living in a democratic country is a pleasure for me because I have the right to express what I want. However, in some parts of communities, systems, or cultures, people are not allowed to express their needs which is disappointing. As we can see in the Freedom, the man is blind and the mouth is sealed by the tape. People without freedom are just like people without lives, no communication, no interaction, no humanity. This drawing is to remind people not to be blinded by the authority, money, and power, but to be clever about what we deserve to have.
DANIEL ZHU（ARAD ’25）— Stingray & Idol of safeking
Daniel Zhu (ARAD ’25), Stingray & Idol of Safeking, Glazed stoneware, 2023
Xuan an （ARAD ’25）— Tiered echoes of ancient peaks
Xuan An (ARAD’25), Tiered Echoes of Ancient Peaks, Wood panels, polyester fiber fill, watercolors, wood glue, and paper, 2023
‘Tiered Echoes of Ancient Peaks’ is a sculptural representation inspired by Wang Ximeng’s ‘A Thousand Li of Rivers and Mountains’, blending traditional Chinese landscape techniques with modern artistry. The sculpture features two main wooden panels as central peaks, surrounded by smaller, varied panels that create a multi-layered effect, symbolizing the depth and complexity of mountainous terrain. The use of greens and cyans against a light blue background adds dimension, while partially completed peaks invite viewers to imaginatively complete the scene. A final touch of white polyester fiber fill at the edges of the panels mimics mist and clouds, softening the sculpture’s lines and adding an ethereal quality. This artwork is a contemporary reinterpretation of classical themes, celebrating the enduring beauty of natural landscapes.
Through a variety of mediums, these students demonstrated their dedication to their craft. The showcase not only celebrated the achievements of these talented individuals but also highlighted the importance of arts administration in supporting and nurturing the arts. We look forward to witnessing more ARADers’ continued growth and success in the years to come!
Arts Administration 