November Arts Spotlight: Edward Ahn '20

It is not uncommon to see Edward ’20 walking around campus with a camera around his neck, stopping to shoot on South Walk or Fuller Field. 
While at Vermont Academy he has found a passion for Black & White Photography and spends much of his time in the darkroom in the basement of Jones Hall. 

Black & White Photography teacher, Ms. Evie Lovett said, “I don’t think I’ve ever had a student as enthusiastic about making photographs as Edward Ahn. If I assign one roll of film, he photographs five rolls!  This practice of looking constantly and carefully through the lens of a camera has enabled Edward to develop a wonderfully keen eye for nuance and an ability to compose evocative photographs that are both strikingly composed and subtly detailed. One of Edward’s photographs earned him a Silver Key in the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards in 2019; another was juried into an exhibit in a gallery in Bellows Falls. Only in his second year of photographing, Edward has developed a style of image-making that is distinctly his own. He knows what he likes (and is gleeful when it deviates from my perspective!) and skillfully utilizes the tools available to him in the printing process to make a photograph his own. This is true art-making.”

What art class has been your favorite at Vermont Academy?

I have only taken Black & White Photography at Vermont Academy, however, in Advanced Art, I have had an opportunity to try other mediums such as drawing and pottery, and l surprisingly enjoyed them. However, Black & White Photography is still my favorite. In the future, I would like to learn how to paint since I have never been a good painter. 

When did you first figure out that you had a passion for the arts?

Towards the end of the school year last year. I had been having some difficulties in finding myself. When searching for comfort, I realized that doing art was one of the places that I could find myself and comfort in it. 

What is your favorite medium?

My favorite medium is Poetry and Photography. I am still working on my writing, but it helps me process my emotions and is a great outlet. I don’t only consider Photography a medium, but also a snapshot of a moment. That's why I like photography so much.

What is your favorite piece that you have done?

My favorite piece right now is a photo series for the fall play Check Please. It will be a backdrop in the theater and I am excited to see it incorporated into the show. 

What is your favorite thing about Vermont Academy?

My favorite thing about Vermont Academy is the campus and the people. There is sunshine everywhere, but I find it especially beautiful at VA. The people at Vermont Academy are all very nice and friendly, no one is judgemental they just see another person as they are, similarily to a photograph. 




Back
Vermont Academy is a coed college preparatory boarding and day school in southern Vermont, serving grades 9-12 plus a postgraduate year.