Summary
Sraddha Karthik, a Grade 11 student from a Tampa high school in Florida, has won the annual Congressional Art Competition organised by the Tampa Museum of Art
The annual art contest had high school students from across Hillsborough County competing for a spot to showcase their work in the US Capitol
The artwork of an Indian American student from Florida is all set to be displayed at the US Capitol, after her win at the annual Congressional Art Competition organised by the Tampa Museum of Art.
Sraddha Karthik, a Grade 11 student from a Tampa high school in Florida, has been declared winner of the annual art contest where high school students from across Hillsborough County competed for a spot to showcase their work in the US Capitol.
Karthik — who came to the United States at the age of one along with her parents from Chennai — bagged the top prize this year with her graphite drawing, Pensive Gaze, created with intricacy and precision, said a media release issued by Congresswoman Kathy Castor.
Karthik’s self-portrait tackles perception versus reality. “I wanted to see if I could draw myself as I am and not how I think I am,” she said. She used different shades of graphite to create depth and dimension for her artwork, the release said.
The statement further informed that Karthik has been drawing since she was seven years old, when her parents registered her for an art class. “I don’t have as much time as I used to before high school, but I do try to fit in art as much as possible because it’s really helpful for me to express myself,” said Karthik.
Art will add depth to Karthik’s career in architecture, which she plans to pursue after high school, said the Congresswoman’s office.
The statement added that this wasn’t Karthik’s first art competition. She has been competing in the Salvador Dali Museum annual art competition since eighth grade, and her artwork has been chosen to be displayed every year.
“It was a very talented display of art at this year’s event. This honour could have gone to anyone in the competition,” Karthik said of Castor’s art competition.
It will be her first visit to Washington, DC, when she goes for her national showcase this summer. Her artwork will then be displayed in the US Capitol for one year alongside winners for congressional art competitions from throughout the country, the media release said.
“The Tampa Museum of Art provides an incredible venue for one of the top high school arts competitions in the country. I am grateful to our parents, teachers and especially students who have turned to arts for encouragement and connection as we mend from the pandemic. Reflective artwork has been a prominent theme and I look forward to welcoming Sraddha to Washington, DC, this summer to represent our talented and diverse community,” Castor said.
Last updated on 31 Mar 2022
