Mad in America encourages teen artists in all genres to define their unique experience, identities, struggles, and dreams on their own terms.
Mad in America’s Family Resources and Arts initiatives are co-sponsoring a Teen Arts Online Exhibition open to youth aged 13-19. The exhibition’s theme asks teen artists to answer the question:
“What do you want the world to know about what it is like being a teen today?”
Show us your experience with emotional distress, labels, meds, and interactions with psychiatry.
I Hope You Are Happy Now by Seoyeon Sohm
During the quarantine, I was insecure about myself. Every time I saw those k-pop idols in TV, I was not happy with me. Click here to read Seoyeon's full statement.
Life in a Glass by Johanna Lee
I like creating from my imagination, whether it be writing, painting, or crafting. Listening to music, sketching, reading classics, and playing video games (rhythm games, tactical games, platforming games, rogue-like games, and puzzle games). I'm also good at whistling.
Internet Insomnia by Marcus Bui
"I am Marcus Bui, who resides in NYC and enjoys the art of photography. Currently, I am attending high school at Bard High School Early College in Manhattan." Click here to read Marcus' full statement.
Danger: Fragile by Kimin Kang
I'm a junior in Northern Valley Regional Highschool and I started art in 8th grade but due to covid, I stopped for a while and restarted in 9th grade. I like painting with blue, drawing with graphite, and mixed medias. Click here to read Kimin's full statement.
Remnants of a Picnic by Tamar Berkowitz-Henkin
I am a junior at Bard High School Early College Manhattan and I have lots of different hobbies. Click here to read Tamar's full statement.
A Grasp At Knowledge by HoJin Kwak
I moved to New Jersey in July and started high school a little while later. I like reading and drawing (mostly small doodles). Click here to read Jin's full statement.
Collide by Aurora Ramos
"I have my own set of problems but that's normal..." Click here to read Aurora's full statement. And here to read the song lyrics.
Side Effects Include by Ella Kemmerly
Art is a way I explore my emotions. My art is influenced by all the experiences, images, and art I have absorbed through my life; and each piece of art I make is shaped by my current emotions, the things I want to convey, and ideas that come to me during the creation process. Click here to read Ella's full statement.
Soaring Through Insecurities by Seoyeon Kim
I am a 10th grader at NVOT high school. I was born in Korea, but I have lived in America for most of my life with a younger brother and two loving parents. I absolutely love art, whether it’s painting, pencil drawing, or just sketching on my homework sheets. Click here to read Seoyeon's full statement.
Turn Coats by Madeline Aliah
"I am a 16 year old trans fem who's been on estrogen for a little under a year, and is loving the changes. I became a writer to cope with the complicated emotions I was contending with at my former Christian school as my disabilities (chronic pain, dysgraphia, etc.) and Queerness caused me to drift apart from my peers, teachers, and our shared God." Click here to read Madeline's full statement. Click here to read Madeline's full poem 'Turn Coats'.
Seeking Virtue by Claire Ryu
I really enjoy playing golf and hanging out with my friends. On weekends, I wake up late and stay in bed. Click here to read Claire's full statement.
Cosmos by Robbie Sheridan
"Submitted by Robbie's Aunt, Wendy Sheridan: As a child I was fascinated by the concept of infinity. I loved math and science but had difficulty concentrating without my pill. My goal was to be a civil engineer." Click here to read Robbie's full statement.
A Never Ending Cycle by Vern Gordon
"At my core, I am an artist. My art is a reflection of my mind, whether that means illustrating fantasy worlds that live in my head or expressing deeper emotions that I have difficulty putting into words. " Click here to read Vern's full statement.
Blooming From Within by Eunice Cho
"My favorite hobbies include creative writing, drawing, and playing tennis." Click here to read Eunice's full statement.
It WIll Be OK by Gabi Fues
"I am a junior in high school at the Chicago Academy for the Arts in the music department." Click here to read
The Drought by Denise Kamgaing
"I am a first-generation immigrant. I moved to the United States when I was young, so I don't remember much about Cameroon. I've grown up in the US, with a supportive family, playing sports, making art, and getting an education." Click here to read Denise's full statement
Headspace by Aaralyn Ellison
"I'm a high school senior looking forward to attending an art and design college next fall." Click here to read Aaralyn's full statement.
A Bit Too Many Thoughts All At Once by Eleanor Gondek
"I'm a smalltime artist who enjoys telling stories through their works. I run a couple webcomics on the side most notable "The Mansion with 1000 Rooms" which I've been working on since sometime in summer." Click here to read Eleanor's full statement.
Invisible by Isabella Castillo
I am in 11th grade and I am apart of my high school Dance team. On the weekends I work at Playa Bowls near me. I am apart of 3 honor societies, and I plan on becoming a nurse in the future. Click here to read Isabella's full statement
School Life by Zoby Miller
I am an individual who draws, read, watches youtube/cartoons, writes, or plays video games all day long. A few of my favorite games right now are Minecraft, Splatoon 3, and Deltarune. Click here to read Zoby's full statement.
What Lies Behind My Happy Reflection by Emily Szemiot
Hi! My name is Emily, and I'm a 17 year old living in New Jersey. I love photography and graphic design, which is what I will pursue in the future. I love being able to express my imagination and emotions through art, enabling me to show my creative side. Click here to read Emily's full statement.
Beginning Match by Sophia Byrne
I like to hang out with my friends, I also like listening to music and create art pieces to show the people around me. Click here to read Sophia's entire statement.