Fine Art 2nd place winner

Migration is my first photograph, a self portrait, created in January of 2021. It revolves around the theme of liberty in independence and the narration of inner peace within my complex forms of emotions, which are the two emotions I've experienced after living through the pandemic in complete isolation at my university.
In living alone in a small room for a year with little to no social life, I began deeply reflecting myself and reevaluating my past. And at last, I learned to grown roots to my stature that keeps me steady in future storms. Thus, the image is created as a reminder for myself: to be both the leader and the follower of my journey, as there's nothing more powerful than being with yourself and moving forward in self confidence.

Fiona Hsu was born in February of 2001 in Orange County, California. At the age of five, her artistic journey ignited when she was encouraged to make paper dolls instead of playing with cheap plastic toys. As she became better with her hands, her paper friends inspired her to keep creating. And so a passion for art ignited. She started drawing and painting on her own ever since, and during her recovery from a foot tendon surgery back in 2015, she developed a blazing passion for fine art photography at the age of fourteen.

In Fiona’s greatest achievements, she was shortlisted in London International Creative Competition in the student photography division in 2020, and awarded as Nominee in fine art (amateaur catergory) in the 7th Fine Art Photography Awards international competition. Fiona graduated from Emile Cohl Atelier in 2021 with a certificate and environment design, and is currently an undergraduate student at UCLA pursuing a major in studio art and minor in art education. She is currently working as a freelancer in photography and digital art/design for independent clients and businesses.