The 2023 BioArt competition was a tremendous success. It was wonderful to witness the fantastic compositions created by our creative cohort. The theme being ‘New Beginnings,’ many students submitted exquisite renditions, ranging from the Tree of Life to the beginning of human life and so much more. It was quite difficult to determine the winners, but with the aid of our voters’ engagement, three stunning artworks were chosen.
The second runner-up was Arooj Afzal with her composition representing the beginning of spring, where she beautifully captured the essence of spring and its symbolism of fresh starts and new beginnings. The first runner-up was Danielle Rawlinson, with her composition of G.O.D and how on the third day G.O.D created Earth, truly a new beginning of time. Finally, our winner was Mohna Akhter with her very touching interpretation of the theme where she portrays a young Syrian refugee hoping for a new beginning in life far away from the wars, conflict, and mass destruction.
Along with the art pieces, we had a plethora of varied activities aligned with the main theme of the event. For instance, we set up a henna tattoo station where volunteers could take part in embracing and educating themselves about its Middle Eastern and Asian significance of new beginnings. We have also put in place crafting stations, especially for crocheting and beading, where our guests could learn to appreciate the simplicity of materials combined to create something beautiful. Our exhibition also offered graduation hat gift bags, plant potting, as well as many more creative activities for our guests to participate in and thoroughly enjoy.
“The portrait I have drawn is inspired by a photograph of a young Syrian refugee. The forest in the background represents her home. The fire represents war and destruction. The seedling she is holding is a metaphor for a piece of home that she is protecting from the fire and taking with heron the journey to find refuge. It symbolises 'hope', for a new beginning.”
Mohna Akhtar
And on the 3rd Day, G.O.D Created Earth
“An alternative take on the theory of creation but with a comedic twist! Two aliens designing Earth, prokaryotes, and the vital systems which life needs to grow and live. The two green men are shown working hard, perfecting their new planet down to the smallest atom. Hologram projectors are enabling them to zoom and spin their creations. The creations in question are cyanobacteria, which are known to be a green/blue algae, a double helix; to aid Earth’s life forms to mutate and evolve, a simple bacterium, an oxygen atom, and Earth itself. 'New beginnings' aren't just related to birth, new scientific research, or new life experiences, but from the beginning of the new planet 'Earth'.”
Danielle Rawlinson
New Spring
“At the beginning of a new spring in a blossoming purple wisteria tree, the blue jay (Cyanocitta cristata) feeds its young hatchlings in its nest. From their cocoons, butterflies emerge to consume the nectar of the wisteria's cascading flowers.”
Arooj Afzal
