X-Ray of a NSCAD Student

Arte & Movement Exhibition at the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia / 2023

Photo credits: Duane Jones

Arte & Movement Exhibition at the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia / 2023

Photo credits: Duane Jones

This large-scale sculpture celebrates the boldness, creativity, and incredible talent of NSCAD students across all disciplines. Inspired by my own experience at NSCAD and the peers I met from all walks of life, the piece is a vibrant, playful tribute to artistic exploration.

The black-and-white tiles represent NSCAD’s Fountain Campus, warped in reference to Alice in Wonderland — a nod to the campus’s famously confusing layout. In fine detail, Hollis and Duke St. are subtly inscribed to give a vague sense of orientation on campus. Each element honors a different discipline: 3D paint for painting students, bedazzled glamorous teeth for jewelry students, a lavish fishnet tongue for fashion students, and, of course, the overall sculpture itself represents sculpture students.

The “monster” at the center symbolizes NSCAD students’ creative X-ray — bold, imaginative, and extravagant. Neon colors, gems, and lavish details make the inner energy of NSCAD visible, capturing the essence of students’ fearless artistic spirit.