In this piece from Samiya Mirakkbar’s AP Art portfolio, a traditional cultural garment layered over an American T-shirt symbolizes the balance between heritage and modern identity. “I wanted to show the conflicts of keeping heritage among American society,” Samiya explains. (Courtesy Samiya Mirakkbar)

A featured piece from Samiya Mirakkbar’s AP Art portfolio explores cultural diversity through layered symbolism. This piece highlights the complexity of identity and heritage through a photograph of her sister with her fridge, exploring the reflections of immigration in America. (Courtesy Samiya Mirakkbar)

A piece by Ashton Hyer explores the ambiguous aspects of identity through the depiction of gender-affirming surgery scars intertwined with symbolic plant imagery. Using growth and nature as metaphors for transformation and self-discovery, Bryan explains, “Plants became a way to visualize the parts of myself that are still, changing everyday” (Courtesy Ashton Hyer)

This piece from Ashton Hyer blends painting and sculptural elements to create a striking almost three-dimensional effect, using layered flowers that physically extend beyond the canvas. Through textured brushstrokes and paintings extending beyond the canvas the work transforms an ordinary swimming pool scene into a symbolic exploration of identity, growth, and memory. (Courtesy Ashton Hyer)

Ryan explores themes of music performance as an enforcement of community in teens’ lives. This photo captures the essence and experience of the cultural events of the asian assembly at Walter Johnson. (Courtesy Ryan Heminsley)

Continuing exploration of music and community, Ryan captures dynamic movement during the Asian Assembly. “This portfolio enforces the ties of music as a keystone to teens building a strong relationship and communication,” Heminsley said. (Courtesy Ryan Heminsley)

In this 2D art portfolio, Gaïa Arri focuses on mimicking a magazine cover as a way to explore how different items have an influence on the self. (Courtesy Gaia Arri)