Avighna
Anand
I am an emerging artist exploring the connections between art, science, nature, and cultural traditions.
Through painting, photography, and mixed media, I investigate how patterns, colors, and structures shape the ways we see and understand the world.
Pattern Recognition
Media: Acrylic Paint, Acrylic Paint Pens, Spinach Dye, Paper, 3 ft × 2 ft, 2026.
This collage combines two visual systems that are rarely considered together: the intricate patterns of henna and the repetitive materials of schoolwork. I collected worksheets and academic papers from my everyday school environment and incorporated henna-inspired drawings and designs into their surfaces, allowing the decorative patterns to interact with printed text, diagrams, and marks left by schoolwork. I assembled and layered the papers by hand, intentionally preserving portions of the original worksheets rather than covering them completely. The resulting piece considers how patterns can emerge even within environments associated with structure, repetition, and academic pressure.
Work
Finding Patterns
Exploring the connections between scientific structures, natural forms, and cultural traditions.
I am an artist exploring the intersection of human identity, science, cultural tradition, and material form. Working across painting, photography, mixed media, and sculpture, I investigate how patterns shape our understanding of the world, from henna body art and cellular neural networks to mechanical human interactions and sculptural paper installations.
Rooted in my scientific curiosity and community engagement, my work transforms environment and heritage into studies of life and connection.
CV
Education
- Class of 2027High School for Mathematics, Science, and Engineering (HSMSE).
Advanced coursework includes: AP World History, AP Precalculus, AP Chemistry, AP Literature, College-level Spanish, Physics, and Science Research.
Currently enrolled in advanced coursework such as: AP Calculus AB, AP Biology, AP Psychology, Organic Chemistry, Academic/College Writing, Science Research, and College-level Government/Economics. - Sept 2023 - June 2024West End Secondary School (WESS) (until Grade 9).
Advanced Coursework includes: AP Human Geography - July 2025Brown University Pre-College Program.
Course: Understanding Contemporary Art - Dec 2024Columbia University Pre-College Program.
Course: Cell and Molecular Biology of Medicine - Dec 2023Columbia University Pre-College Program.
Course: Math, Modeling, and Statistics
Work & Research
- Jul.2026 - Aug.2026Studio in a School Teen Apprenticeship Program, Teaching Artist - New York, NY.
Taught visual art to children ages 5 to 11 through hands-on lessons such as painting and sculpting.
Led demonstrations and guided students through lesson introductions, art-making, reflections, and creative activities.
Adapted instruction for students with different levels of experience and learning needs. - Feb.2026 - currentMount Sinai's Microscopy and Advanced Bioimaging CoRE, Volunteer - New York, NY
Shadow researchers using microscopy and advanced bioimaging techniques.
Observe experimental workflows and learn to navigate microscopy and imaging software.
Complete CITI certificates in biosafety, PPE, hazardous waste, and laboratory risk management.
Create graphic design and marketing materials, including brochures, to communicate the CoRE’s instruments, services, and research capabilities.
Receive training in both light microscopy and electron microscopy (EM) techniques and instrumentation.
Leadership & service
- Sept.2026 – currentEditor in Chief, HSMSE Yearbook - Lead yearbook production by coordinating photo collection, organizing and editing layouts, and collaborating with staff to create the school’s annual yearbook.
- Sept.2025 – currentVice President, HSMSE Media Team - Film and photograph school events, like assemblies, concerts, recitals, as well as sports games.
- Sept.2024 - currentStaff Artist, HSMSE (The Echo) Newspaper - Design and illustrate visuals that underline and support messaging of news articles.
- Sept.2024 - currentMember, HSMSE Art Club - Organize activities to promote creativity within the student body.
- Sept.2024 - currentMember, HSMSE Key Club - Organize community service opportunities such as volunteering at New York State of Mind’s (NYSOM) Halloween, Christmas, and other holiday related events.
- Sept.2024 - June 2026Member, HSMSE Mural Club - Collaborate with school officials to design and paint murals around campus to create a positive atmosphere.
- Sept.2024 - currentMember, HSMSE Asian Cultural Society (ACS) - Collaborating to celebrate the diversity of Asian cultures through learning about cultural traditions and sharing them with the student body.
- Sept.2023-June.2024Member, WESS Green Team - Organized actions to mitigate climate change such as letter campaigns to government officials, and promoting recycling within the school community.
- Sept.2023-June.2024Staff Artist and Writer, WESS Newspaper Club - Designed and illustrated visuals that underlined and supported messaging of news articles.
Get in touch
For admissions reviewers, teachers, or anyone interested in the work. A PDF portfolio and high-resolution images are available on request.
avighna.anand20@gmail.com