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I Describe my Work as a Flight on a Breeze

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There are times when life becomes too wild, and things feel as though they "speed up," like you have no control. When this happens, we just need to capture life's reins and use them to slow down. To get life steady again. But occasionally, we all need help. Sometimes, people just need a listening ear to whom they can talk to. Turns out, I'm pretty good at being there to listen. Hence, I'm like that speed bump ahead, helping a person slow down a bit and calm down. That's how I'll show my voice.

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My photo is a black and white portrait of a crying girl whose mouth has been taped shut. This relates to the theme "Show Your Voice" because many people across the world do not have the opportunity for their voice to be heard, so it is essential to speak up for others who need it. Speaking up and showing your voice may not seem like a major feat, but it can open vital doors for people who need it the most, and might even save lives. Speak up today and make the world a better place!

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In the picture the lavenders are behind a sunset with the sun shinning on the lavenders. Lavenders represent calmness and tranquility. I often times feel the need to raise my voice or talk louder in order to be heard. This photo is meant to remind me that the softest voices can sometimes be the most meaningful and prettiest.

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unedited positive space (1 of 1) - Nitika Singh

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I wrote my thoughts on why different types of equality, gender, racism among others are important on pieces of paper and arranged them in a way to depict a loudspeaker. The theme "Show Your Voice" is directly related to a piece of text in the picture "Raise your voice".

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Performing to "You Say" by Laura Diagle, I aimed to convey the story of getting the opportunity to express what one has been shying away from. Throughout the piece as the vocals get louder and more confident, the body language follows proportionately. Essentially, the dance follows the experience of many going upon many barriers to showcase one's voice.

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My work is a reflection on my journey as a singer learning and performing Hindustani Classical Music. it's about me working through my immense stage fright and bad habits, to finally take responsibility and work towards lessening my stage fright to finally become the singer I've always dreamed of.

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The poem "exotic" expresses my feelings towards China's conflict with western nations. Part I has the perspective of a Chinese person, critical of the outsider's understanding of China. Part II focuses on the finer cultural differences between the two cultures, highlighting the irreconcilable differences. Part III describes my personal attitude toward the conflict. In this poem, I show my voice regarding an issue in global politics today. Although there is no easy way forward, the poem encourages empathy and willingness to listen to the cultures, beliefs, backgrounds, and voices of others around the world.

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Often, when people are trapped in cycles of oppression and inequality, the key to breaking free is for them to find their voice and speak out. Though this can be hard, my poem expresses the fact that, no matter how oppressed people are, they will unite and always be able to find their way to freedom.

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Since the COVID-19 pandemic started in the United States, there is a sharp increase in the numbers of Asian hate crimes. More than 10,000 cases were reported nationwide as indicated in a recent government report. As a young Asian American, I'm heart-broken when seeing our community members, especially the elderly, were targeted and physically attacked. Their sufferings have prompted me to write this poetry to voice my anger and strong condemnation - Stop the Asian Hate!

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My name is Ayush Pareek. I've loved writing stories for years because it allows me to express the commitment I have to the natural world through literature. 'Unnamed Road' depicts a lonely man who is unable to complete simple tasks when he learns to prioritize his spiritual and mental health. He decides to do more with his life and uses his voice and the power vested in himself to live a better life—for no one but himself.

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Ayush Pareek - Unnamed Road (Reflections 2022) - Ayush Pareek

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My work is about how come people feel trapped and alone in the world with no voice. My work portrays the thoughts of a lonely man who can't seem to find anyone in the world that really understands him. He forces himself to believe that he's the only one on this planet who he can depend upon, so he shuts everyone else out and pretends that they don't exist. Just like others, his voice and true feelings are kept hidden away, while the readers only get a taste on what his thoughts sound like.

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The Lonley Man- Reflections Contest - Ishita Kapoor

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My piece "Unspoken" starts with a brooding, repetitive mood, reflecting the state of mind of one who does not or cannot show their voice. Their trapped thoughts echo around their minds. The introduction of the snare drum enforces the feeling of anxiety due to these thoughts. The series of eighth note riffs echoing throughout the instruments represents a breakdown due to lack of self-expression. Later, a section of extended harmony segues the piece into a more expressive segment, with the same melody from the beginning in a major key. The ensemble expresses the joy of showing its voice.

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Peak into a family home and we see our parents showing their voices. Their loving, caring, and kind voices are bright and bold if only we open our eyes. It’s seen in colorful, healthy, & fresh ingredients used to fuel our busy lives, it's visible in clean, cozy, comfy homes that replenish our hearts and minds after a long day, and it’s observed in our clean uniforms ready for big games. A parent’s voice, full of love, affection, and concern is the most vibrant and colorful voice there is, stop and take a look some day.

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Being able to express our options is a gift that many take for granted. I am thankful to have the gift of freedom of speech where I can voice my opinions and show who I really am.

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My art piece relates to the theme because it is a piece that shows my creative abstract side in life and simple things. My piece simply represents simple lines, shapes, and paint streaks. I show my voice through paint and inspiration.

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My piece displays how many different people from varying backgrounds, ages and social statuses have the ability to voice THEIR opinions, THEIR thoughts and THEIR ideas; even if they're being held back. As well as doing this, people can also change their perspectives on certain ideas as well as influence other peoples' stances on issues. This leads all of our thoughts, ideas, opinions and perspectives to be shared and understood by ourselves and the communities around us and will ultimately give us the ability to communicate empathetically and effectively which will make the world a much better place.

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As a visual artist, I show my words in what I can see.

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When People want to change something they voice it out. I want the world to become a better place to live. The woman in the center of the painting holding her child represents love within the family. It is the thing that all of us need. The doves symbolizes freedom. I want to use this to tell people that in some parts of the world, people still have to fight for it. Lastly, the green leaves represent hope. In this chaotic world, people have to constantly face all kinds of challenges so I hope that this can cheer them up.

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My work is a painting of birds with a colorful background.

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WhatsApp Image 2022-10-19 at 4.41.05 PM - Prodigy Boss

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This art piece represents the powerful impact words can have on society. A single voice can be enough to make an impact. The subject takes up a majority of the space, symbolizing self-worth and power, as her words envelope the world.

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War, hate crime, political unrest, climate change, gender inequality, and other problems have shattered and shredded our world, leaving us in a blizzard of emotions. Voices are rising from each corner of the world. I drew a map with ribbons of words covering the world, spreading our voice to every corner, showing that every cause is important. EVERYONE’S cause is important.

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The theme was show your voice but I made a piece about the effects of showing your voice and how people choose to remain ignorant if something doesn’t align with their beliefs. I made a girl robot-like with gears since robots are something you can turn on and off, similarly to what you choose to accept. The girl has a microphone but her words are censored. The music notes and feathers evoke imagery of songbirds. The blue notes are distorted while the serious red notes remain clear. Only cowards choose to remain ignorant. What will you choose to do?

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An hourglass is a symbol for the "perfect body". A red flower represents passion and desire. When you look around, you see people getting attacked for their opinions. I am the flower. I must overcome the fear of disapproval to show who I truly am and to emerge, as me.

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The theme is “show your voice”, and my voice is to amplify the ones who can’t. This piece represents women in oppressive areas that lack the freedom to speech to speak up about their issues, and even on a pedestal, they face censored freedom of speech in fear of the consequences they would face if they spoke the truth.

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Expression isn't just verbal, but can be through art such as literature and dance. I personally express myself best through my artwork, where I can share my ideas and feelings with ease through visuals. My hands, dirtied with paint, create pieces that shine and glisten because in each drawing I create, I give to it a piece of my soul. It is my hope that my art may one day speak to others and touch their souls too.

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Reflections Contest 2022-2023 - Ava Pedersen

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Stereotypes prevent many people from expressing themselves. In my artwork, a young man wishes to show his voice by wearing flowers in his hair, but is held back by the stereotype that flowers are too feminine for men. However, when he wears flowers, he feels more like himself (shown by the colored areas near the flowers versus the black and white). Let's fight against stereotypes such as this because people should not be torn over whether or not to show their voices. People should be able to live their life in color.