Ariel Qiu had a piece of art selected for the Museum of Contemporary Art exhibit.

Ariel Qiu. Courtesy photo

Submitted by Jenni French, Watkinson School 

Watkinson School, Hartford’s oldest independent day school for grades 6-12/PG, is pleased to announce that Ariel Qiu, a Watkinson junior from West Hartford, has had a piece of art selected for inclusion in the MOCA CT exhibit entitled “Humans & Nature,” the museum’s 10th annual high school show.

MOCA CT’s “Humans & Nature” theme, “… examines the intricate balance between human activity and earth’s biodiversity. While industrialization, deforestation, and pollution have driven species toward extinction and accelerated climate change, efforts to conserve and protect are gaining ground. Through art, we explore the evolving relationship between humans and nature, revealing both the harm caused and the resilience needed for restoration.”

Ariel describes the piece she submitted, entitled “Goes Around Comes Around,” as exploring, “… the cyclical relationship between human actions and the environment. The sweeping, circular strokes of white and green represent the interconnected flow of cause and effect: what we take from nature, nature reflects back to us. The dark background signifies the damage inflicted on the Earth – pollution, deforestation, and neglect. However, the vibrant greens cutting through the darkness symbolize hope: the regeneration of forests, clean waters, and the growing global effort to repair what has been broken. The green and white forms curve back in a half-circle, symbolizing regeneration and restoration—the idea that what “goes around comes around.” Just as harm spreads, so too can positive actions ripple outward, restoring balance. The artwork serves as both a warning and a symbol of hope, reminding viewers that the Earth responds to our choices. By embracing sustainability and healing, we can ensure that the cycle reflects renewal rather than destruction.”

The exhibit is viewable at MOCA CT until March 2, 2025.

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