Munster High School Art Teacher, Elena Lopez, and Co-Chairman of the South Suburban College Regional High School Art Exhibit and Festival explains, “The SSC Regional featured students in the AP Studio and Painting 2 classes. The two students recognized by the Juror, are both painting 2 students. Students in the Painting 2 class investigate a trio of famous artists’ work.
Beginning in Surrealism, the students select an artist to research the methodology, application, techniques, and compositions in order to create an original composition displaying the comprehensive influence of this artist. They also look for historical connections of both previous artists who may have influenced the Surrealist artist and those whom he or she influenced more currently.
Best in High School-Munster went to Samantha Chua, 10th grade, for her piece, Muses, which she based on combined elements from the Sculpture and oil painting of the Surrealist Man Ray. Samantha was one of the youngest students in the exhibition, but her work shows a maturity, exuberance, and understanding of the process that I have not often encountered. I am excited to see where her future work at Munster could take her.”
“The (Best in Exhibition Overall) Best in Show 2D winner was Munster High School’s Brandon Johnson, 12th grade, for his piece Down the Wishing Well. This is the highest honor in the Regional. Brandon’s work was based upon his research of Giorgio DiChirico, one of the founders of Pittura Metafisica, and a strong influence on the painters of the Surrealist movement. Brandon’s composition began with his intrigue of birds. His development of the media for the realistic qualities of the bird, pitcher, pipe and moon is exceptional. This along with the unlikeliest juxtaposition of the objects is surprisingly honest and accurate for the artist’s style. Brandon is calmly yet totally submerged in each piece; very precise, meticulous and his dedication to the work is admirable. He plans to attend the American Academy of Art in Chicago this fall. These students and their classmates have several more competitions ahead of them this semester. The energy in the studio and the level of expectation has been set very high, I look for continued success ahead!” said Lopez.
Lopez states, it was a fantastic honor to have this year’s Juror, Jocelyn Prue, selected by the event Coordinator and SSC Professor, Sergio Gomez, award our students this recognition. Ms. Prue, is the owner and gallery director for the White Ripple Gallery in Hammond.
List of student Regional participants and the winners in their categories:
Amer Abasi, 12th, Nessie’s Cousin, Pen on Paper
Jordan Anderson, 12th, Real Men Don’t Buy Women, Acrylic on Canvas
Heather Born, 11th, Awake, Oil on Canvas
Mei Brasel, 10th, The Painted Mask, Oil on Canvas
Shannon Chopin, Oil, Acrylic on Canvas Board
Samantha Chua, 10th, Muses, Oil on Canvas –“Best in High School – Munster”
Alyssa Comer, 12th, Bloody Tendencies, Watercolor on Paper
Mega Dafiaghor, 11th, Artemis, Acrylic and Ink on Illustration Board
Carlos Douglas, 11th, Sunrise at Mt. Rainier, Watercolor on Paper
Victoria Foster, 12th, Lexi’s Place, Watercolor on Paper
Quinn Harris, 12th, Eyedentity, Oil on Unframed Canvas
Brandon Johnson, 12th, Down the Wishing Well, Oil on Canvas –“Best in Show 2D (Exhibition Overall )
Clara Kopacz, 11th, Le Poulpe, Oil on Canvas
Ryan Myers, 12th, The Lasting Gaze, Oil on Canvas
Samantha Szura, 12th, Those Butterflies, Pencil and Watercolor on Paper
Alysia Thomas, 12th, Cosmic Wolf, Acrylic on Canvas (Diptych)
Julia Torres, 11th, Human Emotions, Ceramic Sculpture with Metallic Glaze
Erica Warner, 12th, Erica, Cut Watercolor on Paper
Brenda Yepez, 12th, Youforia, Acrylic on Canvas Board