“When my name was announced, I was completely shocked,” recalls first-year OCAD U student Juliana Saavedra Patino, who moved to Canada with her family from Colombia three years ago. “It wasn’t until a few days later that I truly realized it.”
The moment marked a life-changing win: a $30,000 second prize People’s Choice award at ART COMP, an annual juried and publicly voted exhibition at 100 Kellogg Lane showcasing 100 works from around the world.
Saavedra Patino earned the recognition for her pastel self-portrait exploring beauty stereotypes and authenticity.
The winning piece, Interface, contrasts two portraits of the artist. In the blue-toned image, she appears with makeup and straightened hair; in the pink-toned one, she presents her natural self. Placed side by side—one vertical, the other horizontal—the work invites viewers to consider themes of identity, beauty, and authenticity.
“I wanted to create curiosity in viewers, allowing people to explore the piece as something to discover,” she explains, noting that she wanted to show that true identity comes from inner beauty rather than appearances.
Saavedra Patino created the work in 2023, when she set out to experiment with contrast using soft pastels, a medium she quickly fell in love with. Months later, she submitted the piece and promoted it on social media, grateful just to be counted among the 100 artists selected from around the world.
Winning second place was beyond what she imagined. “During the competition, I thought about what it might feel like to win, but I didn’t expect it. Even being recognized internationally felt like such an honour.”
GAME-CHANGING OPPORTUNITY
For Saavedra Patino, the $30,000 prize is both a game-changing opportunity and a powerful affirmation of self-belief.
Since arriving in Canada, she and her family have relied on OSAP to help cover the costs of her education.
“Winning this prize is both a relief and an incredible support for my future, and for my parents, who have worked so hard to build a better life here,” she adds.
Her own journey—leaving Colombia, adapting to life in Canada, and pursuing her passion—remains a key source of inspiration in her art, alongside the support of friends and family.
Looking ahead, she plans to continue experimenting with new techniques and learning from OCAD U and the Toronto arts community.
Her advice to other young artists is simple: “Don’t be afraid to show what you create and who you are. Anything created with genuine intention will always lead to something good.”
