By Faith Gonia
“When I signed up for AP art, I had no idea what a portfolio was supposed to look like,” recalls senior Mingnah Ng. “I wasn’t sure of my theme until halfway through the year.”
In May, roughly 49,000 students submitted an AP 2D Art portfolio. Of those 49,000, 12% received a score of 5. However, Ng’s work surpassed such a score that many students dream for; she received not only a 5, but also every point possible.
One of the 338 students across the globe to be awarded the rare honor, the Westmont senior has received what teacher Amanda Borges calls the “perfect perfect score.”
As the artist used “a variety of compositions, mediums, and drawing techniques,” each piece stands out in its own unique way. From Vortex Girl, with vibrant hues of orange, to Tortoise, a solely black and white image, her portfolio demonstrates her extensive understanding of art. In total, the portfolio consists of eight pieces, each of which surround a central theme:
“I investigated how perceptions and expectations from others create feelings of claustrophobia, how attention from other people affects how someone presents themselves, how people behave in public versus in private, and how the hefty expectations of others contribute to the feeling of being overwhelmed.”
Through her intricate, stunning works, Ng conveys a profound message regarding issues that trouble many individuals throughout their lifetime. Illustrating complex conditions, including social anxiety and claustrophobia, in a single image remains incredibly challenging. Yet, Ng has mastered the skill.
Looking through the portfolio, I felt immersed in the emotions that Ng perfectly captured. And neither I, nor the College Board use “perfect” lightly.
Nonetheless, the score came as a complete surprise to the senior.
“I did not think that my portfolio was perfect enough for the score it received,” Ng humbly explains.
Ng’s evident talent for drawing and painting goes along with her utter passion for creating art. She describes her ardor: “it is very fulfilling to put something out into the world from your imagination.” She notes the “therapeutic” benefits surrounding “putting [her] thoughts, worldview, and emotions” into each piece.
Sustaining her nearly lifelong journey in art, Ng takes AP Drawing currently. We can have no doubts that she will continue to shine in whatever she creates.
Find Mingnah Ng’s full portfolio here.