Well done to BISP Year 12 student Hii San, who recently achieved runner-up in a FOBISIA Art History competition, a strong accomplishment among students from across the region.

The competition invited students to submit an art history essay responding to the theme of Identity. Hii San chose to explore Self-Portrait in a Blue Coat (1948–49) by Korean artist Lee Quede, examining how the work reflects the artist’s negotiation of identity in post-liberation Korea.

In her essay, Hii San analysed how Lee’s self-portrait captures a moment of transition, both personally and culturally. She explored the balance between traditional Korean influences and emerging Western techniques, as well as how composition, colour, and mark-making communicate stability, uncertainty, and hope during a period of political change. Her writing showed strong insight into how art can act as a means of self-definition during times of upheaval.

This achievement reflects Hii San’s thoughtful engagement with art history and her ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and convincingly.

Congratulations to Hii San on this excellent result, a well-deserved recognition of her hard work and academic curiosity.