Theme Photo “Getaway from Regensburg” — © JOHN WILHELM
2016 POETRY, ART & PHOTOGRAPHY EXPO
Theme: “The GET AWAY”
2016 was the first year ZO decided to reach out to teen artists between the ages of 13 and 19. The goal of the Expo was to encourage students to pursue an artistic education and foster their creative path in doing so. Emails went out to principles, creative art directors at charter schools, and online through social media sites encouraging students to submit their new or existing work.
The “Get Away” theme seemed perfect and distinctly applicable to high school students with futures which often seem simultaneously close and distant, creating an interesting dynamic in which to grow, learn about oneself, and change. We hoped our muse would transfer and infuse them with a relevant meaning and tone for their concepts.
We were thrilled when 300+ teens from all over the world responded with incredibly creative and inventive submissions. Going viral of course is a lot of people’s dream who frequent social media forums; but the modest response was perfect for us and gave us a chance to refine our methodology, take a real individual interest in those submitting and figure out ways to continue with a more personalized format. We are very thankful for everything happening, just as it should, just when it should!
Winners are below.
2016 Teen Media Expo
Theme: The GET AWAY
GOLD Art Winner
ROBERT NOFIRE
“Chief High Bear”
GOLD WINNERS
Gold Winner in Art — Robert Nofire is a senior from Tahlequah High school in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. In addition to his drawing “Chief High Bear” being selected as ZO Magazine’s 1st Place Gold Winner, it was selected as the winner in the congressional Art competition. Robert is also a recipient of the Outstanding Achievement Award through Cherokee Nation.
GOLD POETRY WINNER
MICHELLE CHEN
“Coterie”
I have never known a person who has died & I’ve been trying
to do better. Egypt’s finest hiccoughs
made me a swooning dilettante
of the museum’s darling coffins,
sobbing over dropped haw flakes.
Forgive me, I’ve been busy.
I’ve been dreaming in chemistry class
& somehow an umbrella has found its way
against this blasted landscape & the rain is trickling
down the flaps of this flying squirrel & my long dark
hair begins to dry — Buckyball. . .molecule
. . . write it down . . . fullerene. Full? I am not
full, lunchtime is next period. My head droops
and jerks, eyes widening tiredly. I am as poised as death.
I hear my sentences filling up with fear.
The loveknot at the orphanage wasn’t half bad.
The only tongue I had was a stub, and that made me glad.
The pond drowned me when I stepped on a lily pad.
The eyes glitter like stage spotlights & traffic at night
The tiles undress flesh from bone, feather from dove
………………………………… (sugar stuck to my heel)
I limp
………………..casteless
……………………………………..past.
Now I said I’ve been busy lately
clicking ahead in Youtube videos
skipping flash-frames for the ignition of human voices
& bawl-worthy lyric
yesterday a friend told me her great-grandmother
watched her grandma die
& I didn’t understand but tried.
Darling, I planted your voice for you.
I spread all your dead things into the compost
& stepped back & buckyball is the most common
naturally occurring fullerene & you are so so quiet
I have never known a person who has died & I’ve been trying
to do better.
I’m sketching clear deserts in the dark.
____________________________________
Michelle Chen – © “Coterie”
Michelle Chen is a sixteen-year old poet, writer, and artist who takes inspiration for her writing from the events that occur in and around her home, New York City, though she was born in Singapore and hopes to return and visit someday. She is the first-prize winner of the 2015 Knopf Poetry prize and the Norm Strung Youth Writing Competition, the recipient of The Critical Junior Poet’s Award, was commended as a Foyle Young Poet of the Year, and has performed at Lincoln Center. Her work has been honored both regionally and nationally in the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards and has appeared or will appear in Prairie Schooner, the Sharkpack Poetry Review, The Critical Pass Review, Across the Margin, Transcendence, Alexandria Quarterly, Ember, On Spec, Polyphony HS, Pif Magazine, and elsewhere.
Become the Charter Sponsor for your City and link with our developing network of artists and art lovers.
CREATIVITY CAN CHANGE THE WORLD!
Update your current Artists Feature and Tour Dates Schedule with CITY Sponsorship – Click on Globe or Dancer for more info.
ZO ARTS CONSORTIUM
SPONSORS, CONTRIBUTORS, and ARTISTS
in all Creative Disciplines.
GOLD PHOTOGRAPHY WINNER
JAMIE PEARL
“Elle On The Move”
At the time of her win, Jamie Pearl was a high school student at Seattle Academy. She has placed in a few photography contests from the Scholastic Arts and Writing Competition and Young Arts. This photo was taken in the Seattle area.
SILVER PHOTOGRAPHY WINNER
MUHAMMAD ZAQUIR
“Money Can’t Buy Happiness”
Muhammad Zaquir – “Money Can’t Buy Happiness”
Muhammad Zaqir is 18 years old and was born and raised in Hong Kong. He is currently studying in High school at Po Leung Kuk Laws Foundation College (Grade 12).
“Taking pictures was always my hobby. I love to capture beautiful and cheerful moments. This picture “Money Can’t Buy Happiness” was taken in a small village called Walia, Attock, Pakistan. I was touched to see such lovely adolescents enjoying and admiring their time without high quality gadgets that most kids in the developed countries and cities have. It shows the true meaning of life and that is certainly “Happiness!”
PEARL Photography Winner Tie
IAN LANGE
“Stellar Camping”
IAN LANGE – “Stellar Camping”
Ian Lange lives in Bozeman, Montana, where he spends his days climbing, skiing, traveling, exploring and photographing the surrounding mountains. Ian has always had an artistic drive, but it’s only been in the last three years that he has discovered photography. Since then he has spent much of his free time perfecting his craft while working to incorporate photography into his other interests. While traveling, Ian seeks to capture the atmosphere of the place, and in his shot “Stellar Camping”, which he took in Baja, Mexico, he succeeded in doing just that. With the stars soaring overhead, and the lonely tents lit up underneath the beautiful desolation of the location is conveyed.
PEARL Photography Winner Tie
CAMELIA LADJADJ
“Choose Your Own Path”
CAMELIA LADJADJ – “Choose Your Own Path”
“This picture is about individuality and finding yourself. Choose your own path in life; don’t be a follower, be a leader.” – Camelia
ADDITIONAL TOP FINALISTS
All of us at ZO are very impressed with the level of sophistication, intellectual depth and creativity from the Teen Media Expo submissions received . . . truly inspiring!
2016 JUDGES
