A wide shot of a ceramics studio, featuring students working with pottery wheels and other tools.

Meet the New Class

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Kyunghye Kim (BFA)

Where are you from? Daejeon, South Korea

Describe yourself in three words: Extraordinarily unique artist

Why did you choose SAIC? I love SAIC’s interdisciplinary curriculum. I am optimistic that my experiences at SAIC and within the Chicago art world will allow me to develop my creative aesthetic.

What are you looking forward to doing in Chicago? I have experienced the art world in New York City for the past four years, and I am incredibly excited to explore Chicago and see how it compares.

What are you passionate about? Self-expression is an essential part of who I am and expression through art is a critical and significant part of my life.

Where do you find inspiration? In the work of Josef Albers, Maud Morgan, Frank Stella, Ellsworth Kelly, Bridget Riley, Sarah Morris, and Charline von Heyl.

What do you hope to accomplish in your time at SAIC? I aim to study visual arts more conceptually and find my own voice.

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Zachary Miller (BFA)

Where are you from? Southern California

Describe yourself in three words: Curious, ambitious, present

Why did you choose SAIC? SAIC offered me the greatest combination: a historic institution with world-class facilities and a vibrant community pulsing with the spirit of innovation.

What are you looking forward to doing in Chicago? Besides complaining about the weather, I plan on exploring the city, enjoying the food, appreciating the architecture, immersing myself in the art scene, and meeting wonderful people.

What are you passionate about? I seek to inspire people to grapple with the deeper and darker aspects of modern life.

Where do you find inspiration? I’m fascinated by politics, culture, and the problems that arise in our society.

What do you hope to accomplish in your time at SAIC? I want to push myself creatively by expanding my art history knowledge, exploring new media, developing new techniques, and analyzing my weaknesses and biases.

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Chava Krivchenia (MA)

Where are you from? The Midwest

Describe yourself in three words: Loyal, multisensory, assured

Why did you choose SAIC? I chose SAIC because of the Art History department’s amazing faculty, focus on contemporary art, and acceptance of multimedia art practices.

What are you looking forward to doing in Chicago? I look forward to being a part of an arts community that nurtures collaboration, interdisciplinary arts practices, and finding a home.

What are you passionate about? I am passionate about representing and discussing contemporary sculptural art and information.

Where do you find inspiration? I find inspiration from community, connection, the natural world, and unassuming details in my day-to-day life.

What do you hope to accomplish in your time at SAIC? I hope to heighten my analytical skills and increase my understanding and knowledge of how to best serve the contemporary arts community through museum, organizational, and written work.

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Jacobo Leonardo Zambrano (MFA)

Where are you from? Venezuela

Describe yourself in three words: Latin American immigrant

Why did you choose SAIC? SAIC is a good choice for many personal reasons, but mainly for pursuing my curiosity and career opportunities.

What are you looking forward to doing in Chicago? I am looking forward to focusing on my studio practice and discovering new food options.

What are you passionate about? Middle Eastern food. Also, critical discourse originating from the Caribbean.

Where do you find inspiration? Friends, conversations with friends, and ritualistic activities like cooking and running.

What do you hope to accomplish in your time at SAIC? I want to produce a solid body of work, perhaps something completely different to what I have already done for the last five years.