Arts corner: Letting Go

“Salome”

Isabella Tallman-Jones
Fourth-year, illustration

This piece was inspired by the illustrative works of Aubrey Beardsley for Oscar Wilde’s biblical play: “Salome.” I really admired Beardsley’s pattern and line work and his sweeping, all-encompassing compositions. In addition to the visual elements he employs, the story was a heavy influence on the direction I wanted to take with this piece. In the play, Salome (the protagonist) can’t come to terms with letting go of her desire for John the Baptist. In this piece, however, Salome is transformed and is experiencing her own alternative ending, one where she resigns being rejected by the prophet instead of enacting vengeance. By letting go, both John and Salome avoid being executed as they were in the original story. Salome can finally free herself from her own obsessions and desires. She lets go of her desire to possess in exchange for a physical transformation, a manifestation of her ability to rise above her pain and transcend it.

“Devil on Campus”

Jiami Liang
Third-year, illustration

School violence is a terrible thing. It had brought pain to many children and still exists now like a vicious disease, ruining childhoods. As a child, I witnessed many instances of it but I could do nothing. The artwork depicts a similar situation: a skinny child facing the monster that is school violence, as well as a choice. Should he let go and let it happen or resist?

“No Idle Hands”

Kathryn Fox
Second-year, illustration

This was a piece I developed in the direct aftermath of losing my dad. It served as a validating and ritualistic process that assisted me in letting go of the harsh feelings residing from his surprise absence and redirected me to focus on the positive aspects of the time we shared.

“Two Dudes”

Chris Cheung
Fourth-year, illustration

This piece marks the biggest change in me as an illustrator. It was the first time I let go of overthinking. As I drew while relinquishing control, I unexpectedly laughed out loud. That genuine moment of joy showed me what I want my art to be for myself and for others and I’ve been drawing this way ever since.

Web-exclusive artworks

“Just Need A Hug”

Anami Hayes
Illustration, alumnus

This piece is a resemblance of a time when I was about to leave my best friend, who I consider a brother, during his time of need. I wanted to show the warmth of the embrace of the moment and how men need more hugs. Men who are unashamed to cry, unashamed to be vulnerable — this is what we don’t see. But sometimes men truly just need a hug

“Men’s Bathroom”

Johnny Chan
Illustration, fourth-year

“Men’s Bathroom” describes a typical situation: the bathroom getting crowded. When I first thought about letting go, I thought about letting go of emotions, letting go of objects, but I forgot one of the important ones, that is letting go of how people see you. It’s a lot of pressure when you think people are watching you (unless you like to perform in front of a crowd) and pressure often prevents us from doing what we are doing or being who we are.