Cayden Kuan
Art has always been a way for me to explore my identity . Most of my work is self-portraiture , using monotone compositions to focus on raw emotion . Throughout IB Art , I experimented with clay , paint , prints , and charcoal , but I was especially drawn to charcoal because of its depth and the way it allows me to play with contrast .
I became fascinated by light and shadow and how a simple change in lighting could completely transform the mood of a piece . Shadows can hide certain features or exaggerate others , much like how people reveal different sides of themselves depending on where they are or who they are with . This idea became central to my work , and I used contrast to explore it visually .
At some point , IB Art started to feel like a chore . I was creating just to meet deadlines rather than for the sake of expression . Over time , I realised that art isn ’ t about checking off requirements but about creating something meaningful . Art should be felt , not forced . My work reflects moments of self-reflection , uncertainty and growth . In the end , I rediscovered my passion for creating , and that is what matters most .