Temporary Celebration by Gabriella Phillips in Chicago

This is yet another piece from my AP portfolio on nostalgia. This was a photo taken of just some of the many balloons given to my little sister when she was in the hospital for months on end a few summers back (for a variety of issues). Painted with watercolor, I found the concept of balloons interesting, as they are a fleeting subject that is used for both sympathy and celebration, both temporary. This piece takes on a whole new meaning to me now, as that same sister was recently diagnosed with cancer, and has begun getting gifted more balloons. These balloons in particular though now sit deflated at the bottom of my mourning parents' closet, as they could not bring themselves to throw away the memory of one of the most difficult summers of their life.