Selected Artist for Oberlin College Alumni Distinguished Service Award, Oberlin Alumni Association

My piece is for Dr. Asher Hasan (‘94), who won the Distinguished Service Award for reflecting “Oberlin’s values by directly improving the quality of life for humanity” in his work founding technologically and financially inclusive health companies in South Asia. I was inspired to connect my work to both his values and his specific achievements. As such, I painted a topographical map of South Asia featuring an anatomical human heart in its shape. The heart can embody the love and kindness Dr. Hasan has led his work with, or simultaneously the physical aspect of healthcare, which he has massively advanced in this region.
My personal artwork aims to both critique and celebrate how queerness intersects with sacred art and religious traditions, particularly focusing on the marginalization of women. Drawing on 13th-16th century European religious oil painting techniques like chiaroscuro and linear perspective, I channel experimental, chaotic compositions influenced by Baroque exaggeration. In this piece I took inspiration from these traditional European painting modes, while attempting to make the visual result appropriately substantive and relevant. I am honored by the opportunity to paint for such an accomplished professional, and thankful for the artistic inspiration Dr. Hasan’s fascinating trajectory of servicing others has provided.