2024 Merit Scholarship Recipient: Maz Hawj

Describe the work you submitted for merits.

Concerned with social and cultural issues, the work I submitted for Merits was a representation of the meditative, destructive, and preservative art making process that I have developed during my time at MCAD.

Why did you decide to come to MCAD?

I was musically and creatively inclined growing up. Before MCAD I was practicing some photography, video, and drawing. During COVID-19 I applied to MCAD, was accepted, and given a scholarship. I declared in filmmaking then switched to Fine Arts Studio with a concentration in filmmaking once I accepted my passion for more paper-based work.

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

Honestly, my plans for the future are to make and save money.

Favorite thing about college life (so far)?

The people; The professors and the talented, hardworking friends I have made. They made this experience for me. I could not have gotten this far without them.

What inspires you?

I am inspired by a multitude of musicians from many genres, the single scrap of paper on the floor, and my family.

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

My favorite piece is Gothic Nostalgia: An Analysis and Comparison on "Gothic Nostalgia: An Analysis and Comparison of Charles Baudelaire and Sparklehorse" (2023). It's complex, meta, and represents my visual style as a fine artist. It is a materialization of my research process during a literature essay I wrote about the American musician Mark Linkous and French poet Charles Baudelaire. I feel like it's my favorite because the whole piece is me reflecting on the time I was obsessed with two dudes who made hauntingly beautiful work.

Anything you're obsessed with at the moment?

My hamster named Mateo.

Lastly, do you have a favorite question we didn't ask? Tell us and answer it!

Favorite question: What's your favorite color? My answer: Grey, and most recently it's been green.