2022 ​"FOCUS ON YOUTH":
FEATURED EMERGING ARTIST

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Proud Sponsors of Focus on Youth 2022

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Photographer:
Aaliyah Loverso
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Photographer Aaliyah Loverso is from Queens, NY. Her photograph "Frozen Over" received 2nd place in The Art Effect’s 2022 Reel Exposure International Teen Film and Photography Festival.
 
Aaliyah grew up in a family of five, and her younger sister is also an aspiring artist. However, she hadn’t always been on a path to becoming a designer. Aaliyah was involved in athletics for years, and she garnered leadership and communication skills through her participation in sports. Over time, however, she discovered her true passion was art. Drawing and photography were once hobbies, but she is now developing and discovering her personal style. She believes art encourages personal growth and self-expression. 
 
In the fall, Aaliyah will be attending Purchase College as an incoming freshman. She plans to major in graphic design and is eager to expand her knowledge and develop her skills. She plans to have a career in advertising and would love to delve into the fashion industry as well. Creating graphic prints to sell on apparel has always been a dream of hers, so acquiring skills in business management is also a goal.
 
Aaliyah plans to travel the world and capture her experiences along the way, so she is looking for any opportunity that will allow her to do so. 

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Aaliyah discusses her craft, the things that inspire her, and her love of nature.

When did you become interested in photography?
 
I can’t really recall the specific moment I got into photography. It has always been a fun hobby to do in my free time. 
 
What equipment do you use?
 
Nothing too fancy. I use my dad’s Fujifilm Finepix S1 which he has gifted to me to use as my own. 
 
What do you hope the viewer takes away from "Frozen Over?"
 
“Frozen Over” was originally submitted for “Sound & Noise,” an assignment in my photography class. The objective was to capture an image that allows your audience to ‘hear’ noise without any sound being physically made or heard.

Frozen Over
© Aaliyah Loverso

​What do you love to capture most?
 
I choose my subjects randomly, rather than thinking about a series of work. However, I mostly shoot things in nature. I find myself at peace and appreciating life when surrounded by a perfect – or even imperfect – outdoor setting. To put it simply, I like to capture the beauty of the world through my lens. 

Red Wood
© Aaliyah Loverso

Twist & Turn
© Aaliyah Loverso

Aaliyah shares some beautiful close-ups of fungi.

Fungi 1
© Aaliyah Loverso

Fungi 2
© Aaliyah Loverso

Fungi 3
© Aaliyah Loverso

Bug's Eye View
© Aaliyah Loverso

Do you have a favorite photographer? What do you appreciate about his/her work?
 
Aesthetically, I appreciate Jack Bridgland’s work and the way he captures every model with just the right amount of grittiness and edge. I’ve never really shot people as my subjects, but his work inspires me to one day step outside my comfort zone and get creative.

What inspires you?
 
As an individual, I am inspired by my family and friends. As an artist, I’m inspired by the state of the world and how that motivates me – and others – to make change. I believe art can influence and empower others.

Any final thoughts?
 
I can’t wait to continue achieving big things in life and striving for greatness. As an artist, it is such a pleasure to be awarded recognition for your work.

Red Bus
© Aaliyah Loverso