NG needs more of your work.
It's unusual to see this level of artistry here. Really, smashing work. We need an eleven.
Notes:
Yes, the shading is purposeful, and very effective, but higher contrast than you used would bring out the details without losing the effect. It looks way too good to be as muddy as it is. Speaking of which...
I think the simplicity of the animation really allowed for your artwork to shine. the images are starkly evocative, and very powerful. I think overall a wider presentation, at higher resolution, would make it both more accessible and easier to see (the less of the rest of my screen I can see, the better I can see what you're doing here).
Fantastic freshman effort. I'm looking forward to more from you.