Luminous Lore: CUE Teen Collective 2020-21 by CUE Art Foundation

LUMINOUS LORE an exhibition by the CUE Teen Collective May 20-26, 2021

Gabriella Ayzidor Lily Crewdson Adriana Gonzalez Cion Kang Meher Kapoor

Joyce Lin Luca Montana Roshani Shrestha Nikita Singh Isabella Youssef

Curated by Amanda Adams-Louis, CTC Lead Educator and Program Coordinator

ABOUT CUE CUE Art Foundation is a dynamic visual arts center dedicated to creating essential career and educational opportunities for emerging and under-recognized artists of all ages. Through exhibitions, arts education, and public programs, CUE provides artists and audiences with sustaining and meaningful experiences and resources. CUE carries out its mission through its core programs, which include solo exhibitions for emerging and under-recognized artists; an annual fellowship for an emerging curator; mentorship and publication opportunities for emerging writers; professional development workshops for practicing artists; and arts education intensives for high school students. These programs make a profound difference in the lives of the students and artists who participate. Alumni have gone on to achieve such successes as museum shows, reviews in prominent publications, residencies, awards and scholarships, and commercial gallery representation. CUE is one of the few New York City arts organizations offering such transformative services to visual artists, providing them with the tools and resources needed to start and sustain a successful career as an artist. CUE was founded in 2002 by a group of visionary and entrepreneurial art enthusiasts who wanted to showcase a wide range of incredible artwork from across the country. Ever since, CUE’s founders have remained dedicated to supporting artists at all stages of their careers.

CTC students participate in a critique session, 2020.

ABOUT THE CUE TEEN COLLECTIVE The CUE Teen Collective is a free, year-long after school program for NYC high school students who are passionate about visual culture and interested in exploring careers in the arts. Teens meet for two hours on Wednesday afternoons from October through May to attend field trips to local arts organizations, participate in workshops with arts professionals, and create artwork for a group exhibition at CUE. In the fall, teens attend lectures and workshops to learn about the different career paths available to them in the arts and how to sustain their artistic practices long-term. In the spring, students focus on studio time in preparation for a group exhibition at CUE in May. Teens share their artwork in critiques and have the opportunity to provide and receive feedback with both students and teachers. Together they vote on a theme for their final exhibition, participate in the curation of the show, learn art handling techniques to install their own artwork, and contribute to an exhibition catalogue featuring installation images and photographs of their artwork alongside their written artist statements and biographies. Through this process, the teens learn how to independently prepare for and install an exhibition. Due to Covid-19, the 2020-21 session was held online via Zoom for its entirety.

Gabriella Ayzidor Lily Crewdson Adriana Gonzalez Cion Kang Meher Kapoor

Joyce Lin Luca Montana Roshani Shrestha Nikita Singh Isabella Youssef

INTRODUCTION Last summer, CUE educators and program staff took a leap of faith and decided to continue hosting the CUE Teen Collective remotely for the entire 2020-21 school year. We didn’t know if we would be able to ever meet the students in person, be able to hold an actual exhibition at all, or be able to ask students to pick up art materials. In retrospect, a few things come to mind: 1. I am in awe of all of the students who participated in the CUE Teen Collective this year and grateful to be in community with them weekly as part of their artistic journeys. The constraints you all persevered through to create dynamic, conceptual works of art still astound me. I adored the process of co-creating the exhibition with you guys and learning from you throughout the year. Thank you to Gabriella Ayzidor, Lily Crewdson, Adriana Gonzalez, Cion Kang, Meher Kapoor, Joyce Lin, Luca Montana, Roshani Shrestha, Nikita Singh, and Isabella Youssef. 2. I’m proud that we made the right decision and were able to facilitate the full program via Zoom from October 2020 to May 2021. 3. It was a pleasure to host the wonderful roster of artists, administrators, and other creative professionals who conducted studio visits, workshops, demonstrations, and career talks throughout the year. Thank you to Valentín Concha-Núñez, JiaJia Fei, Ladi’Sasha Jones, Molaundo Jones, Carlos Martinez, Sofia Midon, Dionis Ortiz, Kameelah Janan Rasheed, John Tyson, and Kiara Ventura. 4. The CUE Teen Collective administrator/educator team is amazing. There is nobody else I would have rather worked through an entire pandemic with. Amanda Adams-Louis CUE Teen Collective Coordinator & Lead Educator July 2021

Valentín Concha-Núñez gives a presentation on arts education, 2020.

Sofia Midon gives a presentation on film and TV set design, 2020.

Curator Kiara Ventura leads workshop on conducting studio visits, 2020.

Students participate in an open call jury exercise, 2020.

Kameelah Janan Rasheed discusses her practice during a wokshop on collaborative writing, 2020.

CTC students participate in a work-in-progress critique, 2021.

Installation view of Luminous Lore at CUE Art Foundation. On view May 20-26, 2021. Photo by Adam Reich.

Installation view of Luminous Lore at CUE Art Foundation. On view May 20-26, 2021. Photo by Adam Reich..

Opening reception for Luminous Lore at CUE Art Foundation on May 21, 2021.

GABRIELLA AYZIDOR Villain or Victim, 2021 Charcoal on medium surface drawing paper 14 x 17 inches ARTIST STATEMENT My interpretation of Medusa in this drawing represents the sexual abuse women have been through in history and the present day. Medusa was punished because she broke her vow of celibacy and, as a result, her hair turned into snakes and anyone who looked into her eyes turned to stone. However, what most people do not know is that Medusa was raped by Poseidon. In the modern world, many people go through sexual harassment and abuse without others seeming to care. Medusa was punished because she, as a woman, did something that was considered unlawful; but when a man sexually abused her, it was accepted. Medusa represents these stories and protects them. The medium of this piece is charcoal, which is used to show a large contrast in tone to create intensity and drama. The main idea of the drawing is to show people that they aren’t alone. Many women and men have been abused throughout history, and these situations are repeated again and again. This piece shows Medusa seemingly as a villain, but actually as a victim. She protects the people who have gone through the same situation and protects others from experiencing it. ARTIST BIO Gabriella Ayzidor is a 15-year-old girl currently living in Brooklyn, New York. She attends Leon M. Goldstein High School where she maintains perfect grades and plays volleyball. Her hobbies include reading books (especially the classics), playing Chopin pieces on the piano, and writing for her online readers. Her favorite paintings are Las Meninas by Diego Velázquez and Liberty Leading the People by Eugène Delacroix, while her favorite classical piece is Liebesleid by Fritz Kreisler. Gabriella’s dream career is to become a famous author.

LILY CREWDSON The Shadow, 2021 Paint, pen, fake flowers, and crayon 15 x 15 inches ARTIST STATEMENT In Jungian psychology, the shadow is known to be an unconscious part of our personality that our conscious ego does not identify with. We tend to not identify with it because it is perceived as negative by society. In myths, the shadow is portrayed as mysterious and unknown figures. I decided to portray this in my piece by showing odd depictions of people. I mainly chose to make everything in the piece appear in twos, representing the shadow of the personality in comparison to the outward side. I used paint, pens, fake flowers, and colored pencil. ARTIST BIO Lily is a 16-year-old student born in New York City. Currently, she is in the 10th grade at Saint Ann’s School in Brooklyn. She mostly paints but likes to explore using different types of mediums. She has a passion for psychology and often portrays human emotions in her paintings. She loves to journal and make sketches that eventually inspire larger pieces of art. Poetry has always been something that she enjoys and she often includes her own writing in portraits made with oil pastel. She also loves to read and takes inspiration from books.

ADRIANA GONZALEZ Crescent Smile, 2021 Acrylic and ink on cold press watercolor paper 18 x 24 inches ARTIST STATEMENT The interpretation I made was inspired by the whole idea of what rabbits symbolize in folklore. After researching the different symbols they represented, I felt inspired and motivated to create a mixed media work displaying a rabbit in its habitat with stylistic choices to bring the symbol to the viewer. The composition is slightly to the right, leaving the audience’s eyes to wander around the piece. I chose for the paint specifically to be on top of the dark ink which gives an overall contrast, making it seem as if it is splitting in half. In the end, I truly did have fun making this piece, and definitely had an enjoyable time with the rabbit’s expression, as well as working with paint for the first time. Rabbits take on a lot of different meanings; however, some that are clear are their correlation with femininity, the moon, and prosperity. They truly are remarkable creatures—I hope others can see that, too. ARTIST BIO Adriana Gonzalez was born in Queens, New York. She is currently a 15-year-old student attending LaGuardia High School. Adriana uses different mediums to try to broaden her skills and experiment with what she likes best. In Bridgeview’s exhibition in Virginia, she was a part of a small trip with other artists drawing the scenery of a different environment. She enjoys participating in the CUE Teen Collective because of the artistic environment and creative license to select the media and/or materials that represent her vision for her artwork. This allows her to experiment and, importantly, have fun with her art process.

CION KANG The Eyes of the Tiger, 2021 Acrylic on canvas 14 x 18 inches ARTIST STATEMENT In Korean culture, there are many myths and legends surrounding tigers. They are known as ferocious beasts and those who win against a tiger are given great honor. However, in school, tigers are taught as the cousin of your pet cat or a popular cereal mascot. I wanted to break away from commonly known Western folklore and focus on the equally fierce and strong mythical beings that are tigers. I used acrylic paint on canvas for this piece. The acrylic paint created streaks of color and covered the surface with ease; it is used to portray the fierceness and boldness of the tiger. ARTIST BIO Cion Kang was born in Queens, New York. Currently, she is in her junior year at Queens High School for the Sciences at York College while attending the CUE Teen Collective. She likes to paint and enjoys observing nature. She wants to become a webtoon artist, a graphic designer, or a physicist in the future. At an event that supported the Unification and Peace of Korea, her artwork was placed second, which depicted a dove descending onto a field of roses of Sharon, symbolizing eternal prosperity. Cion also helped create images for her church’s podcast in addition to designing a logo for a business.

MEHER KAPOOR Suffocating, from the “O2” series, 2021 Oil pencils and acrylic paint 9 x 12 inches Still, from the “O2” series, 2021 Oil pencils and acrylic paint 9 x 12 inches Breathe, from the “O2” series, 2021 Acrylic paint 9 x 12 inches ARTIST STATEMENT Folklore and myths are both different forms of exaggerated tales, either passed down from people in a community and culture or worldwide. One such Balkan folklore is the story of the Samodiva. A Samodiva is a forest spirit that appears in the form of an eternally beautiful young woman who wears a veil. This veil is the source of all her power, independence, and liberty. If a man steals this veil, she is forced to marry him and bear his children. This causes her to lose that sense of independence and liberty. After she loses her veil, the Samodiva does all that she can to gain it back, even at the cost of her children. This mythological creature spoke to me due to her fight for independence and liberty. Growing up, I watched my mother adapt quickly to taking care of two children on her own. It has made me value my own, as well as others’, independence and liberty as an important thing. I tried to portray this independence through the story of the Samodiva’s journey—from being trapped in the shackles of her powerless life, to regaining her freedom and getting her veil back, to ending the story with her reveling in the newfound liberty of her life. These portraits of the Samodiva are an attempt to convey the possibilities of liberty and independence and how they may be a limb to one’s happiness and being. ARTIST BIO Meher Kapoor is a creative 16-year-old who likes to pass her time in various ways. She was born in New York, where she has lived all her life. She is currently an architectural sophomore at the High School for Construction Trades, Engineering and Architecture, where she is enrolled in AP classes. Meher has participated in a variety of different sports like wrestling, tennis, swimming, and more. Meher has always found an interest in art; however, she had not started to truly draw until she was in the seventh grade. Meher occasionally uses different kinds of mediums, but prefers graphite. She aims to major in architecture in college and get both an architecture and real estate license. 32

JOYCE LIN Nontoxic Vapors, from the “Mythical Bane” series, 2021 Acrylic on canvas 18 x 14 inches Malignant Conspiracy, from the “Mythical Bane” series, 2021 Acrylic on canvas 18 x 14 inches

ARTIST STATEMENT Given that there is a pandemic right now, I was inspired to create a series of paintings about the myth of diseases. People have always blamed a group of people or supernatural beings and events throughout time because of their fear and lack of understanding. I created four acrylic paintings to illustrate people’s responses to diseases in history and modern times. One painting depicts the collision of Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn as the cause of the Bubonic Plague. Astronomers believed that the evil vapors that were produced from the collision would suck people’s life force, resulting in death. To negate this theory, I painted a doctor who went door to door. They are dressed in protective gear that supposedly blocked out the evil disease, checking on patients while simultaneously spreading the bacteria that actually caused the infection. The second painting was inspired by the “Plandemic” video that went viral last year about the conspiracy theory that the Chinese government secretly created COVID-19 and released it to the public to control the population. I illustrated scientists releasing the disease into the public through a tube. The bacteria is painted blue with a hint of red. The hint of red symbolizes danger and it is used to show what the public thinks the government is doing—exposing a dangerous disease to people. The bacteria is mainly blue because blue symbolizes healing and signifies that the government isn’t actually trying to harm people. ARTIST BIO Joyce Lin is a teen artist born in New York City. She is a junior attending Francis Lewis High School. She likes to use watercolor, colored pencils, and pens to create imaginative and meaningful artworks about people and current events. In middle school, her charcoal drawing was a P.S. Art finalist. She is currently enrolled in honors and AP classes. Due to her interest in Chinese novels, Japanese manga, and Korean webtoons, she aims to become fluent in Chinese, Japanese, and Korean. She also likes to write stories, particularly fantasy. In the future, Joyce plans to explore various art mediums. She aspires to create fun and fantastical paintings as well as artworks that bring awareness to social issues. mediums. She aspires to create fun and fantastical paintings as well as artworks that bring awareness to social issues. 36

LUCA MONTANA In Our Garden, 2021 Acrylic on paper and photography 14 x 11 inches ARTIST STATEMENT When I think of mythology, I think of texts that we can trace society’s major beliefs back to. My piece portrays the story of the Garden of Eden, the biblical paradise and the home of Adam and Eve, through a more inclusive and mystical lens. Rather than contradicting the original story, my version of the garden offers a different point of view and my interpretation of the idea of purity. My inclusive take on this story uses acrylic paint and photography photoshopped together to make a cohesive scene. I love mixing these mediums because paint allows me to bring a whole new life to a photograph. ARTIST BIO Luca Montana is a junior at the NYC iSchool in New York City. She is a 17-year-old student with a passion for painting and photography. Her art focuses on color and contrast and often incorporates multiple mediums. Luca’s love of the arts was sparked by visiting museums with her mother when she was younger.

ROSHANI SHRESTHA flying forward, from the “Imperfect Progress” series, 2021 Gouache and pen on 140 lb hot press watercolor paper 21 x 12 inches Ardhanarishvara, from the “Imperfect Progress” series, 2021 Gouache and pen on 140 lb hot press watercolor paper 9 x 13 inches

Muxe, from the “Imperfect Progress” series, 2021 Gouache and pen on 140 lb hot press watercolor paper 9 x 13 inches ARTIST STATEMENT Being a child of immigrants and part of the LGBTQ+ community, I am inspired by the ability to promote social change through art. “Imperfect Progress” is a series of artworks to portray diversity and unity combating hatred. I interpreted the theme by combining different folklore with negative myths in society. All three pieces are made with pen and gouache on watercolor paper. In flying forward, the dragon represents Eastern and Western cultures through its various features. The warriors also represent these two cultures; some are in knight’s armor, and others are in Chinese armor. The storm represents hatred, which is why the warriors and dragons are fighting against it. Ardhanarishvara is a Hindu figure that combines Shiva and Parvati, a god and goddess. This piece represents harmony between genders and the acceptance of fluidity. The attachment of the male to the female gender symbol, as well as the particles containing other gender symbols, advance this message. In Muxe, I promote the acceptance of genders outside of the usual binary through the third gender known as “muxe” in Zapotec culture. I used elements from their art such as vibrant colors, geometric shapes, and flowers. Each flower on the person’s head symbolizes something; for example, the amaryllis represents pride. These pieces are meant to encourage open-mindedness and allow people to be themselves. To create the peace we want to see, we have to educate ourselves and be willing to accept positive ideas that may deviate from the supposed norm.

ARTIST BIO Roshani Shrestha is a 16-year-old artist who is a junior at Stuyvesant High School. He lives in Queens, New York. Roshani’s diverse identity, having a mother from Mexico and a father from Nepal, as well as being a bisexual, non-binary transgender male, has influenced the types of art that he makes. He hopes to promote diversity and inclusivity in his work to create social change. Roshani works with various different mediums, including but not limited to pencils, pens, pastels, acrylics, and watercolors. He has completed three AP and one honors course and is taking three AP and two honors courses currently. Roshani hopes to pursue a career that combines computer science and visual arts, two subjects he is deeply passionate about.

NIKITA SINGH The Tree Leads the Way, from “The Mouse Groom” series, 2021 Acrylic on canvas 12 x 12 inches Falling In Love With Lady Mouse, from “The Mouse Groom” series, 2021 Acrylic on canvas 12 x 16 inches Becoming Mr. Mouse, from “The Mouse Groom” series, 2021 Acrylic on canvas 12 x 12 inches

ARTIST STATEMENT Life is full of the most unexpected outcomes that are each perfect in its own way. The choices we make and the steps we take contribute to what our life becomes. Folklore conveys how these choices culminate to a desired ending. There are multiple interpretations of one folklore told from generations, altered to emphasize different themes and generate different outcomes. However, most interpretations are quixotic folklores that don’t include unusual endings. In my series consisting of three acrylic paintings, I render an interpretation of the original “Forest Bride.” In the Finnish folklore story “The Forest Bride,” Veikko, a farmer’s son, is told to cut a tree and search for a wife in the direction it falls. With the tree leading into a forest, he searches and eventually stumbles upon a cabin in the woods. He encounters a cute mouse and falls in love with her. She perfectly performs tasks for Veikko’s father to prove her worthiness for marriage. When a stranger discovers that Veikko’s sweetheart is a mouse, he mocks and kicks her. Rushing to save his beloved, Veikko protects her, breaking her curse. The mouse transforms into a beautiful princess, and her little cabin in the forest transfigures into a castle, where they live happily ever after. The original folklore is very idealistic and flawless. In reality, not everyone can do these tasks as perfectly as the mouse did, and the ending isn’t always the most convenient. “The Mouse Groom” is my unconventional yet humorous interpretation of “The Forest Bride.” The paintings in my series portray the story, emphasizing Veikko falling in love with the cute mouse, Lady Mouse. Without his love for her, Veikko wouldn’t sacrifice his human body to become a mouse, as depicted in the last painting. This series acknowledges how characters can still be happy, even when the outcome is unexpected. It shows that love can be found in the most unforeseen places, and that those in love are willing to make any sacrifices necessary for their beloved.

ARTIST BIO Nikita Singh is fifteen years old and was born in Queens, New York, but lived in Guyana for the first three years of her childhood. She currently attends Queens High School for the Sciences at York College. As a child, she always had a fondness for drawing, which developed into a passion for art. She works in various mediums but specifically selected acrylic paints for the artwork displayed in this exhibition. Nikita is inspired by anything the world has to offer, from magazines to beautiful scenery. The CUE Art Foundation allowed her to expand her knowledge of art; it also led to her first art show. Nikita dreams of pursuing a career as a professional painter and aspires to have her work displayed at a museum.

ISABELLA YOUSSEF Covid Combatant (Epiphany), from the “Depictions of the Folklore Studio Album” series, 2021 Alcohol maker, colored pencil, and glitter pen on poster board 22 x 28 inches Femme Fatale (Mad Woman), from the “Depictions of the Folklore Studio Album” series, 2021 Alcohol marker, colored pencil, and glitter pen on poster board 22 x 28 inches The Fractured Bottle of Sobriety, from the “Depictions of the Folklore Studio Album” series, 2021 Acrylic marker, colored pencil, and glitter pen 22 x 28 inches

ARTIST STATEMENT Music has always been an important aspect in my life, so much so that it’s become a hobby of mine to collect albums and CDs. Music is not only about rhythm and catchy beats; it’s also about the lyrics and how the message or imagery of a song influences the listener. For my pieces, Femme Fatale, Covid Combatant, and The Fractured Bottle of Sobriety, I’ve decided to interpret the tracks Mad Woman, Epiphany, and This Is Me Trying from Taylor Swift’s album Folklore, and turn them into works of art. Folklore is about telling stories that can connect listeners to issues such as alcoholism, Covid-19, and misogyny, but ultimately empowering them to overcome their challenges and struggles. I’ve conceptualized three of her songs in my pieces and incorporated their lyrics to bring the music, stories, and messages to life. To accomplish this goal, I’ve used alcohol-based markers, colored pencils, and glitter pens. Taylor Swift has continued to inspire me my entire life—she’s been releasing music ever since I was young and still does today. I’ve been able to grow as a person while she’s evolved as an artist. When I was told the name of our exhibition theme, I immediately thought of her new album and how I can give life and ink to these cherishable and enchanting fables. ARTIST BIO Isabella Youssef was born in 2004 and was raised in Queens, New York. She is a junior who currently attends the Scholars Academy in Rockaway Beach. Her concepts are often inspired by movies, comics, music, literature, and personal identity. She brings her visions to life by incorporating alcohol-based markers, colored pencils, glitter pens, and on rare occasions, watercolor, into her drawings. Her artwork was previously 52

featured at her school’s art gallery in 2019 and 2020. Art never really appealed to Isabella as nothing more than a hobby and school subject. It wasn’t until she was forced to quarantine during the pandemic that Isabella started to experiment with her talents. Some of her aspirations are to become a history teacher, successful writer, and illustrator of her own novels. 53

MAJOR PROGRAMMATIC SUPPORT FOR THE CUE TEEN COLLECTIVE IS PROVIDED BY: Anonymous, the Milton and Sally Avery Arts Foundation, the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature, ING Financial Services, and the William Talbott Hillman Foundation.

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR FRIENDS AND COMMUNITY PARTNERS:

The CUE Teen Collective is an experiential learning program for teen visual artists interested in pursuing careers in the arts. During the fall session, we meet with creative professionals working in the artworld/market at cultural institutions, galleries, studios, auction houses, offices, and other sites of artistic production. These experiences would not be possible without the generosity, grace, and expertise of over a dozen people working as artists, educators, creative producers, scholars, critics, and creative professionals. The following is a list of the people and places that collaborated with us to make the 2020-21 CUE Teen Collective possible: apexart, Abbie Hebein, Dr. John Tyson, Kiara Ventura, Sofia Midon, Valentín Concha-Núñez, Ladi’Sasha Jones, Molaundo Jones, JiaJia Fei, Kameelah Janan Rasheed, and Carlos Martinez.