As part of Delbarton's annual AP Art Exhibit, we continue our AP Artist Spotlight series highlighting the creativity and vision of our senior artists. This week, we feature James Sommer ’26, whose Sustained Investigation explores the complex relationship between people and the technology they rely on every day.

For James, art began as an unexpected outlet. "My interest in art began during my half-semester class in sophomore year," he said. "Art for me is an escape from the intensity and stress from other classes."

That creative escape soon evolved into a deeper exploration of the role technology plays in modern life. Through his portfolio, James examines themes of isolation, reliance, and addiction, asking the central question: How do we interact with machines every day?

Initially, James focused on depicting people's direct interactions with technology. As his portfolio developed, however, his work became increasingly abstract, allowing him to communicate broader ideas about society's dependence on phones, televisions, cars, and other machines. "I was first inspired to focus on the addiction and loneliness a phone can cause," he said.

Throughout his work, James uses symbolism to reinforce these themes, from wires that suggest the constant attachment many people have to their phones to compositions that encourage viewers to reflect on how technology shapes everyday life. At the same time, his work challenges audiences to recognize the conveniences they often overlook.

"The goal of my pieces is to evoke gratefulness and shift people from 'frustrated/spoiled' to recognizing the privileges and resources they overlook," James said.

Through thoughtful symbolism and an increasingly abstract visual style, James invites viewers to reconsider both their relationship with technology and their appreciation for the tools that have become an essential part of everyday life.

We thank James for sharing his artistic journey and perspective, and we look forward to the next AP Artist Spotlight in this year's series.