Students Show Off Their Works at Art Show

The Hollander Gymnasium at the Upper School was transformed into a vibrant gallery for the annual all-school Art Show held May 23-25. There was something for everyone. Families, friends, faculty, and staff came out in droves to kick off the show at the Artists Reception on Wednesday, May 23. The atmosphere was electric as the enthusiastic crowd filled the gallery admiring the many artistic offerings. Attendees enjoyed refreshments on the gymnasium patio, while the Jazz ensemble provided the soundtrack for the evening.

 

“The Artist’s Reception demonstrated the importance of the Arts to the Milken Community,” said Director of the Architecture + Design Institute (A+DI) Debra Sokolow. “We had an outstanding turnout. The guests commented on the high quality of artwork across the curriculum from 7th to 12th grade.”

 

“The work on display is all so impressive for its creativity, scope, and technical capacity,” said Visual Arts Department Chair Peter Walker. “It is hard to single anything out because of the high level of craftsmanship and dedication each and every student demonstrates.”  

Celebrating the students’ hard work and dedication, the exhibition showcased projects the students created throughout the year. There was an impressive array of inspired works in various media with over 1,000 pieces displayed. This year’s show also welcomed three new classes: Sculpture, Advanced Photography, and AP Photography.

 

Sokolow explained that the A+DI students play a key role in the final display of their work. Each student prepares an artist/design statement that reflects the inspiration and influences culminating in the final project. They work tirelessly in the studio to complete their projects.

 

Alexis Golbahar ’19 designed a teenage substance abuse rehabilitation center. She conducted detailed research into Japanese culture and design, which was her inspiration because they provide a Zen aesthetic. “Architecture and the A+DI program has allowed me to explore different aspects of sustainability and design and showcase my hard work and the skills I have acquired over the years,” remarked Golbahar.

Second year AP Studio Art student Talia Shakib-Khou ’18 described her work as 12 different but cohesive pieces. Inspired by the song “I Am” by JoJo, her concentration reflects the path to discovery and recognition of self-worth. She prepared for the show by “remaining committed and determined to represent my complex emotions through imagery,” she said. “With the help of the inspiring teachers, I was pushed and challenged technically and emotionally. Becoming involved in the visual arts awakened and nourished my artistic and creative side.”

Clara Pitt ’18 displayed photos from her AP portfolio that focused on her concentration—female empowerment. “Through my concentration, I chose to blatantly stare back with unrelenting confident eyes to the male gaze that women have always been portrayed through,” shared Pitt. “I cannot redraw history to eliminate the objectification, but I can choose to illuminate a future filled with unlimited opportunities.”  

 

Buckminster Fuller was the inspiration for the assisted living facility that Jaden Pressman ’19 designed. He incorporated triangles as the main shape of his structure as a nod to Fuller, who created the geodesic dome, which consists of triangles.

Middle School Art Teacher Deborah Lanino noted that each Middle School student had a least one piece in the show. Some of the work they displayed included observational drawings of still lifes in graphite and charcoal, 3D pieces such as LEGO builds and kalimbas (an African musical instrument), and mixed media mandalas (a spiritual symbol in Buddhism and Hinduism). Photography projects included formal portraits, candids, landscapes, and depth of field and shutter speed studies, as well as composition pieces mirroring iconic photographers.

Sokolow noted that preparing for the Art Show is a huge task and there is collaboration between many departments to make sure everything comes together smoothly.

This year’s art show was a big success and enjoyed by all who attended. It was truly a community effort. "It was great to see all of the hard work I and my fellow classmates put in this year come to fruition in the art show," said Pressman.