As Eric Zhang prepares to graduate from Kent School and pursue a degree in interactive media art, he leaves behind a body of work marked by deep emotional resonance, evolving technique, and a growing interest in multimedia storytelling. Though also known as a strong JV Boys Tennis team player, it is in the art studio where Eric has consistently challenged his limits and refined his voice.
“I started sketching and painting in third grade,” Eric said. “I think I was always more sensitive to artistic elements in life.” Early on, he was classically trained and drawn to impressionist painters like Monet and Van Gogh, but his perspective changed significantly during high school. “I used to be more conservative in my work, but then I started exploring modern and abstract themes. That shift opened up my thinking.”
Eric’s creative journey has been shaped by both structure and spontaneity. “My portfolio work taught me how to organize complex ideas, such as doing artist research, exploring different mediums, and trusting my instincts,” he explained. “At a certain point, your thoughts matter more than your mechanics.” His independent study this fall, an abstract self-portrait, marked a turning point. “It wasn’t my most technically perfect work, but I felt it flowed naturally. It captured what I was feeling without resistance.”
At Kent, Eric credits his growth to both personal struggle and influential mentors. “I experienced some pain here,” he shared. “But those experiences added to who I am.” He’s especially grateful to Ms. Brody for her guidance. “She had this incredibly grounded knowledge of anatomy. Her advice reminded me that the ideas behind your work are more important than technical perfection.”
Much of Eric’s work explores emotional complexity, often focusing on the intricacies of negative feelings. “Happy emotions can feel a bit superficial. But pain, there’s so much depth to it. There’s always a reason behind it, and I try to show that.”
Now, Eric is preparing for a new chapter. He has a long-term goal of creating a visual novel game as a blend of writing, character design, and interactivity that reflects his literary interests and multimedia aspirations. “That’s why I’m reading more, especially Japanese literature. I want to become a better writer and build something immersive and meaningful.”
To younger artists, he offers one piece of advice: “Believe in what you make. You won’t always be understood, but if your process is genuine, then your work is valid. You have to be your own biggest believer.”
Eric Zhang leaves Kent not just as an artist, but as a storyteller, one whose evolving vision continues to challenge conventions and invite others to feel, reflect, and imagine.
