2012 Senior Art Thesis
Shawon Akanda
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ARTIST STATEMENT:
In order to achieve the “American Dream” that my parents always hoped for, they sacrificed their opportunities in Bangladesh to establish our chances of reaching that goal in America. With my mother working behind the register at a convenience store and my father at a gift shop, I realized that our family is not as privileged and goals would be overcome with hardship. I was nine at the time and being the middle child of three brothers, I made myself the black sheep by not demanding food, clothes, games or toys that were always asked by my siblings because I did not want to add to the burden that my parents already faced. My parents knowing my behavior would always tend to my needs but I would always express my gratitude and deject any superfluous wants. From this experience, I prepared myself to follow a path to reach my dream of becoming successful so that my children will never have to face the hardships I have had to face. This linear path has not changed today and my goals of becoming a cardiothoracic surgeon are still strong. With my art project, I want to establish a connection and meaning to my path in order to reach my hopes and goals as well as to pay homage to my family, friends and professors who have helped shape me into the person I am today.
Looking at my life on a macrocosm, I see linearity from what I have aspired to do and where I am today and I hold true to my original goals, values, and morals. However, pursuing these intentions has not proven to be an easy task due to the many hardships and obstacles I have had to overcome. College has been and continues to be one of my greatest challenges; however, I am able to face these challenges by changing my views and perspectives to develop innovative solutions. For example, Organic Chemistry was one of my most difficult classes at Hamilton College. I truly struggled at the beginning, but I decided that instead of memorizing the materials I should try to visualize the molecules and reactions spatially in order to comprehend the underline concepts. With this new method, I was able to overcome many difficulties and ultimately do well in the course.
In working with the marble piece, I discovered that much of the theme of linearity comes from the methodology itself. Planning out the piece in advance and determining the precise steps gave me a sense of confidence and an understanding as to how I would achieve my goal. I find that I have similar experiences with chemistry; while running an experiment one reagent has to follow the other in the correct order to synthesize the final product. The process of creating my pieces was almost cathartic in the sense that I poured everything that relates to my life into my work. The marbles resembling my childhood toy create a string work of patterns; this to me not only represents my path but also all those who have guided me toward my goals. Upon the completion of my senior project, I have become more able to visual my goals and understand how I can achieve them.
I would like to thank my family, friends and the entire art department for their amazing support. Additionally, I would like to give special thanks to Rebecca Murtaugh, Katherine Kuharic, Nicole Snyder, Tani Leigh & John Powell for pushing me to work my hardest throughout my senior year. Without their help this show would not have been possible.
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