The concept for this exhibit came to life as Shen rode her bike along the sidewalks of Cassandra Boulevard one month after the COVID-19 lockdown. She still recalls the excitement from when she brought this bike home years back, even though it took less than a month before it ended up stashed in the backyard where it was going to remain unused for the next two years. It was during the lockdown that she finally went to dust this bike off, whose tires were now flat with spokes covered in rust after braving the changing seasons. In its miserable state, Shen found that she learned to appreciate this bike more than she did when it was brand new, as it became her respite from the challenges brought forth by this virus. 

 

On another spring afternoon, Thea also longed to escape indoor confinement after being quarantined for so long. She trudged to the backyard patio and to her surprise, a bunny emerged out of nowhere and began hopping through the yard. During this time, the stresses from Thea's personal life and academic pressures were only magnified by the chaos and uncertainties that the COVID-19 pandemic introduced. Yet, something so simple as a bunny going about its business as it has always done in the past uplifted her spirits and overwhelmed her with gratefulness. Not long after, Shen reaches out about a project with the goal of showcasing our community's resilience in the face of adversity through the lens of our own personal growths. With no hesitation, Thea jumps on board and the painting began.

 

Renewed Perspectives is a collection of art pieces that aim to capture the things we have begun to appreciate as a result of the COVID-19 lockdown. Our hope is that through this exhibit, you will be inspired to reflect and focus on the good within each day, searching for the beauty and hope amidst the mundane and take to heart that happiness doesn't necessitate something extraordinary.

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Shen and Thea