Over the past month, the junior art show,“Who the Hell Are We?,” has been in display in the Kennedy Center Linda Johnson Gallery, featuring a collection of artworks presented by Shelly Cao, Andrew Carlson, Surya Gowda, Rachel Han, Claire Harpel, Emlyn Harris, Olivia Holbrook, Katie Jenkinson, Noah Jones, Daniella Metti, Fiona Murphy, Lauren Neese, Irene Park, Juasline Plasencia, Talia Rosen, Mariam Saied, Zoe Sauvé, Alex Seewald, Kiera Wax and Rory Woods, who are all from the Class of 2023. The pieces on display allowed these artists to showcase aspects of their identities through a variety of mediums, and it was a monumental success.

Rory Woods ’23 stated that the exhibit “gave [the artists] the opportunity to explore what [they] want to create and how that reflects on [them]. The projects displayed are almost self-portraits in every case; each student is taking this moment to step out and play with their own unique style and perception.” This sentiment is easily seen while walking through the gallery.

Psychosis 1841

by Noah Jones ’23 is hard to miss. The artwork is presented on four large planks of wood, propped up against the wall and towering overhead. The piece features a barren tree with alarming faces hanging in lieu of leaves. Through the facial expressions, Jones illustrates the phases of Psychosis (premodal, acute, and recovery) triggered by the negative impacts the Covid-19 pandemic has had on individuals around the world. Its abstract composition allows viewers to reflect on their own experiences during the pandemic and the impact it may have had on their mental health.

Juxtaposing the more serious artworks,

I Swear I’m Not a Stoner

offers a bright and whimsical appearance complete with mushroom homes, a baby deer, and a magical looking waterfall. Wax explains that her inspiration comes from the fantasy stories and iSpy books she loved as a child, and that nostalgic storybook feel comes across through the color scheme and 15 hidden objects for viewers to find. Although the work appears simple at first glance, Wax used oil paints — a notoriously complicated medium to work with — and delicately crafted the tiny, functional doors. Additionally, the 3D leaves on the tree pull everything together and add a nice texture to the otherwise flat setting.

The final piece of interest is

Altered Choctaw Ceremonial Dress

by Lauren Neese ’23, which boldly stands in the middle of the exhibit. At first glance, it looks like a simple blue dress with white patterns on the hem, but upon closer inspection, there are words painted along the seams. These words turned out to be names of treaties the Choctaw Nation signed in giving up land to the United States government in exchange for payment. On the apron of the dress, tiny red footprints trail along the bottom hem, symbolizing the Trail of Tears, which the Choctaw were forced to walk. In addition to the dress, a beaded necklace lies around the neck of the mannequin and two earrings are hooked into the collar. This traditional jewelry was made in the Choctaw “netted” style and allows the viewers to admire the beautiful techniques that come from the tribe.

The exhibit offers an extremely interesting experience, and is well worth a visit. It is an impressive representation of the talent in the junior class here at Hamilton. There is still time to visit the exhibit, as it closes on Friday, Jan 28.