Messages about the coexistence of chaos and calm, uncertainties of unavoidable scenarios and staying steadfast amid a changing world.
For Ryu, this year marks the third time placing in the Congressional Art Competition and the second time her work will be showcased in Washington D.C.
As a freshman, Ryu placed first for her artwork titled “Fear Towards the Future.” As a sophomore, she won second place with a piece titled “Storm and Peace.” This year, Jane created “Still Me,” a self-portrait that portrays the quiet strength of stillness.
“[The piece] was based on the idea that there are parts in life that change around me so fast, but the core aspect of myself stays the same,” Ryu said.
To brainstorm the topic and message behind her entries to the Congressional Art Competition, Ryu references the photos she has taken and develops them into greater ideas, a process that involves flexibility and improvisation. Ryu’s process and artwork began to gain visual arts teacher Kearci Thompson’s notice when Ryu was a freshman. Thomspon said that while Ryu has achieved huge accomplishments as a young artist, she also has the admirable quality of humility.
“I knew pretty early on that she was an artist to watch, and was super excited to have someone, not only as talented as her, but as kind as her in our program,” Thompson said. “She’s always pushing herself to try something new. I really admire that humility that she shows as well as her work ethic. I think it speaks to the artist that she is.”
The Congressional Art Competition includes challenges such as considering the audience while balancing attention to detail with conveying the piece’s message effectively. The process of creating the pieces for the competition did not stem from an intention to submit the art to a certain competition, according to Ryu. Ryu said that the difficult part of this journey was juggling time management and motivation, which is a smoother process when one is not trying to be perfect.
“I focus on more of a calm and meditating aspects of art instead of trying to make something perfect,” Ryu said. “And also, even looking at other people’s art can help. It makes you want to start again. You don’t always need to make a masterpiece just doing something simple, can get you going.”
