As teenagers, we all have this idea of what we want our future to look like. We dream big, make plans, and try to figure out who we want to be. But as we start to sketch out our future, it feels like the world is constantly changing, making it harder and harder to stay on track. Every time we think we’re getting somewhere, something happens a new crisis, a new problem, a new reason to doubt if we’ll ever make it. It feels like the world is on fire, and no matter how hard we try to build something, the flames keep burning it down. The worst part is, we can’t escape it. Every time we open our phones, we’re hit with bad news wars, climate disasters, political chaos, economic crashes. It’s all right there, 24/7, reminding us how messed up everything is. It’s like we’re expected to focus on school, careers, and our future, but how are we supposed to do that when the world feels so unstable? One minute we think we know what we want, and the next, we’re questioning everything. Will there even be opportunities left for us? Will our dreams still make sense in five or ten years? It’s exhausting. We want to be excited about our future, but it’s hard to stay hopeful when everything feels out of our control. We’re constantly told that we’re the generation that’s supposed to fix things, but how can we fix something so broken when we’re still trying to figure ourselves out? We’re doing our best to create a future for ourselves, but sometimes, it feels like we’re just watching it all burn, powerless to stop it.
In this piece, I explore the pressures teens face to conceal their true identities in today's world. Set in a cold, desolate forest, the masks scattered around represent the fragments of personas we feel compelled to wear to fit societal expectations, particularly amplified by the omnipresence of social media. The central figure, partially hidden behind a mask, symbolizes the tension between self expression and societal conformity. The stark, monochromatic palette mirrors the isolation and lack of authenticity that can arise from suppressing individuality. The snowy forest, with its barren trees and empty atmosphere, reflects the emotional chill of navigating these expectations in a world increasingly driven by surface appearances and digital validation. This work aims to provoke viewers to question how societal norms and online platforms shape their own identities and interactions. It serves as a call to embrace authenticity and reject the pressure to conform to imposed standards.
My medium was photography, and I captured this image using a FujiFilm X-T30 with a 16-55mm FUJIFILM XF f/2.8 R LM WR lens. The image of the puppet controlled by red strings symbolizes how we often feel manipulated by external forces, especially in today's interconnected world. Our thoughts and actions, once uniquely ours, now seem influenced by the overwhelming presence of the internet and global issues. Social media shapes our perceptions, online trends dictate our behaviors, and the constant flood of world problems can make us feel powerless, as if our individuality is being pulled in different directions. This visual metaphor highlights the tension between our desire for freedom and the invisible forces that guide our modern existence, reminding us of the importance of awareness and reclaiming control over our own lives.
My medium was photography, and I captured this image using a FujiFilm X-T30 with a 35 F/2 fujinon aspherical lens. This artwork shows the growing issue of phone addiction among teenagers, symbolizing how they can feel "pulled into" their screens and lose themselves in the digital world. The way the face blends into the phone shows how much time and energy phones can take from us. Phones connect us to the world, but they also bring a flood of information about global problems and issues. For teens, this can be overwhelming and lead to stress, anxiety, and even a warped view of themselves and the world. This piece asks viewers to think about how much time they spend on their phones and the impact it has on their mental and emotional health.
My medium was photography, and I captured this image using a FujiFilm X-T30 with a 16-55mm FUJIFILM XF f/2.8 R LM WR lens. In this piece, I wanted to show how the world feels like it’s falling apart, with the burning newspaper symbolizing the chaos and uncertainty we face today. The fire represents destruction, but it also shines light on how serious things have become. The newspaper, full of stories about real events, is being consumed by flames, showing how overwhelming and uncontrollable these problems feel. The figure behind the fire is slightly out of focus, representing young people like myself who are deeply affected by everything happening in the world. The blurred person shows how it’s easy to feel powerless and unsure of where we fit into all of this. The gray wall in the background adds to the feeling of being stuck or trapped, unable to escape the challenges around us. Through this image, I wanted to show the emotions of living in times where the future feels so unclear. It reflects both fear and the hope for change whether the fire will destroy everything or inspire us to rebuild something better. This photo is about capturing that tension and making others think about what comes next.
My medium was photography, and I captured this image using a FujiFilm X-T30 with an 18-135mm F/3.5-5.6 Fujinon aspherical lens. The subject—a solitary red armchair—was carefully lit and staged to evoke a quiet, contemplative atmosphere. My process involved placing the camera on a tripod to ensure stability, then meticulously setting the lighting to create a dramatic contrast between the vivid red of the chair and the deep black background. To enhance the mood, I kept the stage curtain closed, limiting distractions and focusing attention solely on the subject. This image subtly conveys a sense of isolation, yet it invites the viewer to reflect on the stillness and solitude within the scene. The interplay of light and shadow emphasizes the chair as both a physical object and a symbol, leaving its interpretation open to the emotions of the audience.
Through photography, I aimed to capture the essence of cars as more than mere machines of metal and wheels designed to transport us from point A to point B. They are, instead, works of art that embody craftsmanship, design, and emotion. By showcasing a vibrant blue Audi set against the rich hues of Michigan’s blue sky and the seasonal transition of green foliage to the warm tones of autumn, I highlighted the harmony between the car’s sleek aesthetic and its natural surroundings. This juxtaposition underscores the beauty and artistry inherent in automobiles, inviting viewers to appreciate them as symbols of innovation and creativity rather than just functional objects.