Visual Arts Independent Study Projects

Alexandra Wythes
Independent Study Project in Photography

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Over the summer and fall I spent half of my time in Tahoe. My original proposal for this Independent Study was to take nature photographs. I wanted to take pictures that would raise other people's awareness about climate change. But through taking these, I realized it was my awareness that needed to be raised. I realized that we often fail to accept the fact that the nature we are so eager to preserve is not only in Australia and Brazil, it is also here in our own backyard, Tahoe. By making the trek each weekend for a dozen runs down the mountain and paddle boarding in the lake, I felt I was contributing to the climate crisis I so fear. I realized although we may not be able to have zero impact on nature, we still have a responsibility to create the smallest impact possible. While I do not intend to stop skiing or swimming in the lake, my shift in perspective has made me more thoughtful of my actions.

Gigi Schrier
Independent Study project in Photography

 Send Friends, Will Pay 

This independent study focuses on photographing wealth and privilege. Growing up surrounded by wealth, I have been able to observe the blessings and curses that come along with being wealthy. This series focuses on both the ridiculousness and ostentatiousness of wealthy society and on the feelings that can accompany such social statuses. 

Marissa Lumpkin and Alexa Tabibian

As we researched the history of the integration of Chinese and Japanese painting in America, we realized that identity and an acceptance of self plays an integral role in Asian American art. While investigating the evolution of styles from ancient to contemporary time periods, it became evident that these developments, which followed a cyclical pattern of loss and acceptance of culture, were strongly correlated with spirituality and reclaiming one’s identity. We each created pieces that reflect our research and demonstrate the evolution of painting styles while incorporating our personal sense of belonging in the Chinese and Japanese American communities.