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.