thephoenixzineISSUE N° 03

© Townsend Harris High School 2015All rights reserved. No part of the publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means without authorization from the publisher or owners of submitted materials.

Inquires should be addressed to:Rafal OlechowskiTownsend Harris High School149-11 Melbourne AvenueFlushing, NY 11367

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All artists, authors, and photographers maintain complete ownership and copyright over their respective submitted materials.

Copyright

Editorial TeamAdvisor

Mr. Rafal OlechowskiEditors-in-Chief

Yelena Dzhanova ‘15Kristine Guillaume ‘16

Layout EditorFerwina Chua ‘15

Art EditorAnna Kim ‘15

Literary EditorJason Lalljee ‘16

Photography EditorNicholas Rahim ‘16Business Manager

Teresa Deely ‘16Communications Manager

Nicolas Barrios ‘17Design Associates

Emily Chan ‘17Aaron Fernando ‘18Prabhjot Shergill ‘16

Joshua Singavarapu ‘17Event Coordinator

Abygail Rampersad ‘15

Social Media ConsultantPriya Amin ‘16

Director of Film and MediaPaula Fraczek ‘15

VideographersDiego Ramos ‘18

Daniel Sotelo-Reiner ‘18David Zarowin ‘16

Editors’ NoteNestled in a nook of the fourth floor hallway, The Phoenix office bustles with creative activity. If a complete stranger were to walk in, he or she would be greatly overwhelmed by the eclectic range of sounds that make up the room. Music blares from the computer speakers, two staff members recite a spoken word poem, and a loud slurp of tea echoes amid all the commotion. Ideas and jests zip across the room at a dizzying speed. The Phoenix, not only a publication but a club, functions as a creative sanctuary where all sheeple are free to project their voices throughout various mediums. These voices resonate through each edition of the magazine we publish, establishing The Phoenix as a stage for creative energy as well as camaraderie that we dare you, reader, to explore in this March edition. Enjoy the issue.

MIssion StatementThe Phoenix is a completely independent and student-run literary and art magazine within Townsend Harris High School. The Phoenix is much more than a publication; it is a community. The biggest goal of The Phoenix is to act as a creative haven for all to express themselves. In a school such as Townsend Harris, where homework takes up to four or more hours a night to complete and tests are consistently given out daily or by the double, kids need some downtime to de-stress and think about themselves a bit. The Phoenix encourages students to believe that there is a lot more to every person than a number that dictates his aptitude in a certain subject. Townsend Harris has a plethora of immensely talented kids who lack a conventional way to express themselves. The Phoenix gives everyone a chance to be themselves and provides an open forum for self expression. The Phoenix is bigger than a business or an organization. It’s a family: one huge, at times semi-dysfunctional, creative family.

4 A Tale of Two Rooms, PoetryAndy Hua ‘15Medusa in Watercolor, ArtLianna Rada ‘16

Submissions

5 Cost, PhotographyAshton Santo ‘15In Order to Face This World, PoetryClarisse Tam ‘17

Submissions

6 Platform, PhotographyZainab Koli ‘15At Home, PoetryBrian Balayon ‘16

Submissions

7 If I Gave You Flowers, ArtNoel Du ‘17

Submissions

8 I, ArtSabrina Cheng ‘17On Being an ArtistAnna Kim ‘15

Art Highlight

10 Jasmine Mahabir ‘17Devjani Paul ‘17

On Visiting the High Line

PhilosophizingAnna Kim ‘15Review: UnwindVince Plascencia ‘17

Reviews1213 On Visiting The

Cut Outs at the METWoman Reading Jiaxin Ying ‘18La Perruche et la SirèneNoel Du ‘17

Reviews

Culture Vulture14

Emily Chan ‘17Cover By

Table of Contents

A tale of two roomsAndy Hua ‘15As the final whistle blows,a thousand clicks can be heardtwo small rooms continually crammedThose of one heading home to hang their hatsFor this lucky group, the sun and moon never meetand only sorrowful tales of unrequited love paint their night skiesFor the other room,a group of moonwalkers, dreamers, fighterstheir desks are never clearnotorious for their inhumane treatment of computersTo this group the night sky does not mean anythingproductivity demands life and life it shall haveand while the other room may sing its melodies of the romance of the sun and moononly they know the beauty of the light of dayas it kisses the stars away

SUBMISSIONS

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COst Ashton Santo ’15

Back when we were youngerWe could have faced the world,

And anything it threw at us,All without fear.

Was it courage that drove us?Or sheer naivety?

In Order to Face This WorldClarisse Tam ‘17

Medusa in water color

Lianna Rada ‘16

SUBMISSIONS

Issue N°3 5

At homeBrian Balayon ‘16

PlatformZainab Koli ‘15

A bitter draft waltzedLike knives grazing on my skin On that frigid night.

Steam wafted upward Like spirits from my warm cupOn that frigid night.

Enrobed in blankets, I lie enchanted, enchainedOn that frigid night.

Crackling dancersGlimmered warm shades from afarOn that frigid night.

My eyes slowly shutAs the snow began to fallOn that frigid night.

SUBMISSIONS

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if i gave you flowersNoel Du ‘17

SUBMISSIONS

Issue N°3 77

When it comes to art, what is seen by a larger audience of viewers is almost always only the finished product of the artist. Merely seeing this finished product hung on the walls of museums, displayed in galleries, or exhibited on pedestals, however, does not do justice to the true, comprehensive meaning of art. For a while, I understood only one aspect of art, the application of its fundamentals. Peers of mine have often questioned my rather dogmatic approach in art group sessions; all they wanted was, without thinking too much, to pick up a medium and create art. I have come to realize that art is more than just brushstrokes, more than just penciled sketches, more than just an assemblage of various media on a surface. That perhaps the greater, more important part of art is really just thinking. Thinking. Understanding. Assessing. These words tie very closely with the fundamentals ofart-- more than, say, the aesthetic impact an artwork may have on a viewer. What astounded me is how complex art really is--as much as art is a visual study, it is also an intellectual, compelling viewers to look at art not for its surface qualities, but also its technical and expressive significance.

On being an artistANNA KIM ‘15

Art highlight

09

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I SABRINA CHENG ‘17

Issue N°3 9

The bitter breeze engulfed my body and seeped through the three layers of clothing I wore, shooting shivers throughout my body. Puffs of air escaped my lips as I looked around, camera in hand, for the next victims to capture, such as the couple by the railing immersed in their own world, kissing and giggling. I stood at the center of the High Line, taking in the scenery and essence it held.

In the winter, the Brooklyn High Line may not seem like much, but if you look a little closer, you’ll find little pieces of beauty at each corner. Like the plants that manage to stay alive despite the piles of snow shoved upon them. Or the red bird posing for the camera as it keeps itself safe in the middle of a berry bush. I crouched down, getting my knees wet, attempting to capture the lonely bench that looked outward toward the Hudson River. At that moment, I felt at peace, at ease. This was my domain and I enjoyed getting lost with my camera, trying to acquire the perfect angle, the perfect lighting, the perfect photograph. I don’t get many chances to go into the city and photograph its smallest details, but when I do, I try to make it worthwhile. This outing to the Highline was an experience that will remain among my better memories. - Devjani Paul ‘17

on visiting

Nicholas Rahim ‘16

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Though it was a chilly day, it was worth getting my fingers numb to take pictures at the High Line. As soon as I walked up the stairs, I could not take my eyes off the breathtaking view of the Hudson River. I immediately grabbed my camera out of its case and took a few shots at different angles. After analyzing the photos, I realized that I hadn’t captured the river’s beauty, being so far away from it. However, “the park in the sky” had numerous other enthralling subjects worth capturing. As I continued forward on the beautiful walkway, many winter plants caught my attention. I would stop for a moment to crouch on the ground and get a close up shots. I ended up with countless images of plants, so I knew I had to mix things up a bit. After more walking, I finally found a tiny bird hidden among some berries and I thanked the heavens for the opportunity. With the right framing and lighting, the photograph came out beautifully, and I felt a rewarding sensation. At the end of the day, photography isn’t an easy thing to do. It’s time-consuming and there’s a lot of thought that goes into the composition of an image. Not to mention that photographers have to endure all types of weather conditions, in order to obtain “good” photographs. My experience at the High Line allowed me to appreciate a photographer’s duty and the satisfaction of getting that perfect photograph.

Jasmine Mahabir ‘17

- Jasmine Mahabir ‘17

THE HIGH LINE

Issue N°3 11

PhilosophizingMy knowledge of human nature, behavior, and relationships used to be but spoonfed series’ of truths; the more that I inherited these assumptions, the more I felt like a bottomless cup that could never be filled without a logical justification of its contents. My dissatisfaction with being fed the products of a dynamic society without learning about its invisible catalysts, foundations, and framework burned within me a passion to understand human nature, behavior, and relationships through a more fundamental and analytic approach.

Examining humankind through biological and social lenses provides the tools necessary for my endeavors, observing and learning about people, especially in regard to religion. For me, faith itself is not as important as its origins, the mentality of its believers, and its current stance within a society that’s both religiously diverse and heavily secular. I was never content with the answers I received from the Roman Catholics; doubt ignited a passion within me to question, seek, and learn about humans, and the relationships they form.

I have been inspired to trace everything societal into a comprehensive manifestation of origins, patterns, and norms. Through psychological and anthropological lenses, I hope to find something substantial that explains how we as humans make sense of our lives. It is an endeavor that I feel does not have a definite culmination of some sort, which makes the journey to get to a conclusion all the more interesting and compelling.

Anna Kim ‘15

Review: Unwind by Neal ShustermanNeal Shusterman’s Unwind takes place in a dystopian future in which a government-instituted accord known as “unwinding” has come into practice; the novel explores a world where parents can have their misbehaving children disassembled, their body parts then being used for medical purposes.

The structure of Unwind is what makes it stand out among other novels in this genre. Shusterman tells the story from multiple perspectives, the most prominent ones being those of the central characters, Connor, Risa, and Lev. Connor is hotheaded, Risa is rational, and Lev is self-righteous; these contrasting personalities provide the reader with a larger understanding of the plot that’s not hindered by bias.

The constantly shifting perspectives also keeps the reader engaged. What truly captivated me about the book is the grotesque process of “unwinding.” More specifically, the uncertainty of whether or not an unwound child is truly alive or not. The author explores this idea by introducing one of the most unique characters I’ve ever seen, Cyrus “CyFi” Finch, who received some brain tissue from an unwound child, whose personality traits Cyrus exhibits. The concept is fascinating but it’s the characters that really make this novel so powerful.

With a unique concept and powerful characters, Unwind is truly a worthwhile read.

Vince Plasencia ‘18

REFLECTIONS

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Woman Reading The first thing that I noticed about Henri Matisse’s Woman Reading was its color— the work depicts a woman sitting in a chair, her back facing the rest of the room. My attention was not drawn to the color because of its vibrancy. In fact, it was very much the opposite; Matisse uses a darker and duller palette. This artistic decision creates a sense of tranquility. The forest greens, amber browns, and dark blacks work together to create an aesthetically pleasing composition. If this painting had been done with brighter hues, the effect would be much different. It reminds me of how people usually feel when they are absorbed in a good book. The calmness created by the colors suggests a quietness, the same kind created when the book drowns out the rest of the world. Perhaps the subject of this artwork is not reading a book of fiction; perhaps she is holding a journal of some sort that holds memories. This painting makes you wonder what exactly the woman is reading, who she is, and what her story is. Although the name of the piece is simple, the painting itself is complex. There is a story behind this moment in time caught by the dark and dull brushstrokes. Woman Reading is an interesting work of Matisse’s, on many different levels. What sets Woman apart from his other oil paintings is his choice of colors. The story that the painting presents also makes it unique and captivating. Matisse does a great job of first pulling the viewers in, then letting them dive even deeper through curiosity.

Jiaxin Ying ‘18

La Perruche et la SirèneFrench artist Henri Matisse was known for creating scenery, decoration, and portraits through collaging. Upon first viewing his works, I was immediately intrigued. As a collagist myself, I was drawn by the protrusive colors and meandering shapes into a familiar yet awe-inspiring world. I would work with many different materials– newspapers, magazines, trash I found interesting—and hole up in my room, often with wrapping paper, tin foil, dried plants, and the like. But Matisse’s quaint gouache and paper brought two major ideas I had neglected up to the palette, which were the uses of space and simplicity in creating a complicated piece. La Perruche et la Sirène, or The Parakeet and the Mermaid, featured at the MoMA, consists of varyingly colored pomegranates and leaves arranged on a white background. The parakeet and the mermaid, positioned at opposite ends of the canvas, are the only figures that appear once in the piece. I was amazed by his use of balance between negative and positive space, creating a maze-like feel, wherein the parakeet and mermaid are the tied focuses. It is the amassing of simple shapes within solid colors that generate intricacy in this work of art. With one hand brandishing a magazine clipping and the other wielding a glue stick, I am constantly hovering over different areas of a work in different positions, wondering what sort of effect a miniscule scrap of paper can have on an overall piece. I have come to believe that Matisse is one of those glue stick-wielding geniuses – he has a vision for his desired outcome, patience for the process, and a heart for reckless creativity.

Noel Du ‘17

Issue N°3

REFLECTIONS

13

“Exploring France: Oil Sketches from the Thaw Collection”

The Morgan Library and MuseumJanuary 13 - October 4

Fashioning the Body: An Intimate History of the Silhouette

Bard Graduate CenterApril 3 - July 26

“How Shakespeare Works: A Free Night Course”Cooper Union,

Great HallEvery Monday Until May 11

‘Nevermore: The Imaginary Life and Mysterious Death of Edgar Allan Poe’

New World StagesContinuing

Washington Sq. Outdoor Art Exhibit

On the sidewalks of University

Place from East 13th St. to NYU’s Schwartz Plaza

May 23, 24, 25, 30, and 31

Uptown Arts Stroll

West 155th Street to West 220th Street

May 28 - June 30

DanceAfrica 2015

Brooklyn Academy of Music

May 22 - May 25

China: Through the Looking GlassThe Metropolitan Museum of Art

May 7 - August 16

A Human Being Died that NightBrooklyn Academy of Music

Most nights at 7:30 in June

Yoko Ono: One Woman Show,

1960-1971MoMA

May 17 - September 7

iPop: Social Commentary

Avant GalleryOngoing

culture vulture (n.):a person who is very interested in the arts, especially to an obsessive degree

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Issue N°3 15

calendar of eventsApril Reading

April 17th

Art OutingApril 25h

May ReadingMay 15th

Photography OutingMay 29th

Final OutingJune 12th

contact us

To be eligible for publication in this year’s final edition of The Phoenix, submit any and all of your artwork, photography, poetry, and prose via email to thhsphoenix@gmail.com by 11:59 P.M. on April 31, 2015.

EMAIL US AT THHSPHOENIX@GMAIL.COM FOR ALL INQUIRIES.CONTACT YELENA DZHANOVA OR KRISTINE GUILLAUME FOR ANY INQUIRIES.

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