2024 Merit Scholarship Recipient: JJ Antunes

Describe the work you submitted for merits.*

The work I submitted for merits are an archive of my history being on this planet, or something that describes about me. My work and my practice revolves around personal experiences thats has happened in my life like gender identity, expression, just figuring out who I am and where I belong, or about issues in society. I use my work as a tracker, a way of activism, and a healing journal for the world to see, to the point where you can archive its almost like digital archive of my life.

Why did you decide to come to MCAD?

I wanted to go to school that had a sense of community rather than just a name that everyone would know about, i needed something different from my K-12 years with packed classes and lots of distractions, something I don't get over here which Im grateful for. Also I wanted to live new experiences outside where I am from.

What are your plans for your senior year? And beyond?

Im planning on expanding on what Im doing now with my photo manipulation, tech experience, sewing/crocheting fashion, and graphic design especially for my senior project. Beyond that, Id love to impact people with my work and have people question norms in our society and have conversations about important things that are currently going on within our communities. Additionally, I would love to impact others who are also on their healing journeys. Id love to do social media content creation or even break in the fashion world with my technology skills and see what other possibilities there are with those intertwined with one another. Additionally, I would also love to have successful shop selling crochet or handmade apparel which is something Im currently working on right now.

What inspires you?

Nostalgia, Weird/Odd/Random items, Multitudes of crazy genres of fashion, life and pintrest LOL

Do you have a favorite piece you've made? Describe it!

I don't actually have a favorite piece, at least at the moment. Sometimes it feels like every new thing i make is a level up or a glow up from the last one.