One of the most distinctive aspects of Yorktown is the original student art that lines our walls. There’s hundreds of pieces, all with their unique style and influence. Some are…let’s just say….more unique than others. They’ve been around so long that many students have their favorites or ones they’re genuinely puzzled by. In this article, I’m going to take you through some of the highlights.
1. One of the most iconic paintings includes a second-floor masterclass of hodge podge. A shirtless marble man, a Sailor Moon reference, an Instagram format. What more could you possibly need? This painting is an eclectic mix connected by a central style, making it a memorable one for Yorktown students.
2. My personal favorite painting exists on the second floor hidden away near the courtyard. Ghostly fingers reach for a candle, the flickering light distorting the digits. This eerie painting is dark, spectral and a little chilling, exactly what you need while walking to Calculus.
3. This is a relatively new work, but has carved out its niche in the Yorktown gallery. Many students showcase their creativity as abstract paintings, relying on shifting colors and wavering forms. However, this piece is clean and mathematical, with a detailed rendering of the artist against the geometric backdrop.
4. Awwww…is the only valid reaction to this piece by Kristen Somers. This puppy dog sits at the entrance to the second floor English hallway. Its beckoning eyes and oversized shoes create an adorable picture, which brightens up my day while trudging to write yet another timed rhetorical analysis in Mr. Olsen’s class.
5. I like to spice up my days with a healthy dose of fear, which comes by way of this painting. The talented artist depicted a young man, his lower face crawling with bees. Not only does the situation make me uncomfortable but the way the bees pile over each other leaves me with the creepie crawlies. The painting has haunted me from freshman year, leaving me ample time to appreciate its artistry.
6. Want a place to hang out? 😉 Join this armadillo as he swings from a tree branch on the second floor. This painting is another personal highlight, the colors and intricate detail creating a playful vignette. School can lack a certain whimsy, something eased by this artwork. Check it out next time you need a mood-boost.
As someone with zero artistic ability, I am in continual awe of the talented painters that pass through our halls. Keep creating, artists, and maybe someday you too can be in an article written by an unqualified teenage art critic.
