Antonia's DP Art Exhibition on Exploration of Social Media's Impact on Identity

The 2024 KIS DP Art Exhibition showcases the compelling works of our talented students, each piece a window into their perspectives and creative journeys. Antonia's exhibit, “Growing Pains,” dives into the impact of social media on young women, an exploration shaped by her own experiences as an 18-year-old who grew up online.

Through graphite pencil drawings with experiments in paint, Antonia captures the complex relationship between identity and digital influence. The female figures in her work embody the internal conflict of navigating social media’s pressures, reflecting both her personal journey and a broader commentary on self-image shaped by online interactions.

A central piece in her exhibit, Mirror, Mirror on the Wall, portrays two goddesses—the Queen of Phoenixes and the Queen of Angels—encased in a phone screen. Blindfolded, these figures symbolize the loss of identity that occurs when their primary means of expression—the eyes—are taken away. In Antonia’s words, “they lose their main communication,” leaving behind a struggle for authenticity in a world that often values appearance above all else.

The piece serves as a mirror for young women who may feel compelled to conform to social media standards. Antonia’s art highlights the sacrifice involved in striving to meet these ideals—a reminder of the cost that lies beneath the surface. Her exhibit, “Growing Pains,” resonates with anyone familiar with the balancing act of self-expression and the quest for validation in the digital age, inviting viewers to reflect on the delicate interplay between self-worth and societal expectations.

Watch the full 2024 IB DP Art Exhibition here.