First Place:
​Danielle Leizman
Three Graces, Charcoal on Paper, 72" x 36" 2020

Notes from the Juror:
Danielle Leizman, THREE GRACES
-Leizman’s unorthodox display of the female body paired with the simple yet in-depth concept of this piece separates it from the rest.  Leaving the pieces unfinished left a great deal of interpretation of the female form 
- what the body has seen, gone through, and its current state. It depicts a great deal of appreciation for the woman. With 2020 being the “Year of the Woman” the free flowing nature of femininity is imperative to see in art. This piece achieves that.  Taking into account the medium and the size of the piece, Leizman’s work brings the complexity of gender to life, prompting questions such as: What trauma is induced due to the standard of beauty and dominant view of women’s bodies being defined by cis-men? Or why are women globally treated poorly in comparison to men
- whether that is pertaining to issues such as the wage gap or domestic violence percentages? With each piece seeming “unfinished” Liezman is able to express how difficult it can be for our society to not only understand what “gender” truly means, but what it is like to live life as one’s identifying gender.

Second Place:
Elijah ​Tauriac, Frankenstein, Digital photo and photoshop, 2020

Notes from the Juror:
-When we think of Frankenstien and his monster we think about a being that was  a misfit for the society it was brought into. Much like the story of the minotaur in ancient greek mythology, creatures have been brought into this world and have not been able to fit into society through no fault of their own. This image exemplifies this age-old idea that one can feel out of place even in the geographical area he/she/they were born in. In this world of discrimination, bigotry, corruption, racism, etc. it is normal yet still traumatizing to feel out of place.
-Tauriac’s choice to use a black and white photograph was a very deliberate and wise aesthetic choice. It directs the viewers’ eyes to what should not be there - highlighting the subject’s stitches. Also, the discoloration of the subject’s body parts was executed extremely well. 

Third Place:
Isabella Torres
Waves, Photoshop Frame Animation / video
2020

Notes from the Juror:
-Torres’ stop animation video is very captivating. The fleshy tones of the feet, making the subjects feet seem battered and bruised, allows for metaphoric as well as literal interpretations. Whether the subject has been physically abused, worked to the bone, or has methorically been walking 1000 miles, the feet and legs depict some sort of trauma. The waves washing over the feet remind us that hardships come in “waves”. We as individuals must try to be strong through hardships or risk becoming victims to them - which many of us do. 
-The poem at the end of the animation ties these ideas together. The combination of concepts, mediums, and aesthetic execution makes this piece overtly thought-provoking.