linocut print; 8×10”
“This piece explores the fight for gay marriage rights and the reality that many couples must protest and struggle simply to marry the person they love. I chose this topic because, in eighth grade, I interviewed Jim Obergefell, whose Supreme Court case legalized gay marriage in the United States. Hearing his story left a lasting impact on me and inspired this artwork. The piece is designed to be viewed in two contrasting ways. On the left, a man and woman stand outside their home on a bright, sunny day, representing a traditional marriage that is easily accepted. On the right, two men stand together in the city with a rainbow flag behind them on a cloudy day, symbolizing the challenges faced by same‑sex couples. I used a pathetic fallacy to show how the environment reflects each couple’s emotional experience. The border of hearts and question marks supports the title, What Are the Rules of Love?, asking whether love should be limited by gender or guided by free will.”
ARTIST BIO: Finn PICHLER is a grade 11 student at Summit Country Day School studying art under art teacher Carrie Barnett.