Staten Island Reporter

Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11) today announced the winners of the 2024 Congressional Art Competition for New York's 11th Congressional District. Staten Island resident Ivanna Trunova, who attends Tottenville High School, won first place with her piece titled “Finding my True Self.” The artwork will be displayed in the Capitol for one year alongside other district winners.

The runner-up is Brooklyn resident Anastasia Kril, a student at Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts. Her work, "Fantasy Built Upon Modernity," will be showcased in Malliotakis' Washington, DC office for one year.

"I was proud to congratulate both Ivanna and Anastasia, both extremely talented artists, for winning this year's Congressional Art Competition," said Congresswoman Malliotakis. "Not only do their pieces showcase their fantastic artistic abilities, but they also tell personal stories of self-exploration, reflection, overcoming internal struggles, and how they perceive the future. I'm delighted they chose to share their talents with us; they should be extremely proud of themselves. I look forward to welcoming Ivanna to Washington to see her work on full display in the Capitol this fall."

Trunova described her painting as a self-portrait set in her home music studio: “High school pressures split my attention in so many directions. Exploring music allows me to find the light within myself and discover my true identity and purpose.” The oil on canvas features a double portrait of a girl sitting against a window in a music studio.

Kril's piece explores themes of futurism and digitization: “The painting showcases the new world order in a futuristic society... In my painting process, I challenged myself with finding the perfect way to tone down the harsh symbolism with alluring imagery and strong visual effect.”

The third-place winner is Benjamin Prestino from Xavierian High School in Brooklyn. His artwork "All Wounds Heal" will be displayed in Malliotakis' Brooklyn District Office for one year. Prestino explained his piece: "The band-aids symbolize inner hurt and wounds can heal over time."