Tainted World Series

In 2006, I did a project for my grade 11 art class all extending from my idea of "Tainted World".  On a rather depressing note, I  addressed major issues within society that I wanted to approach in my work. The following experiments were a large step in further understanding the making of political artwork. 

True Colours

Acrylic on canvas

2006

-- I created this work as a cry for help.  In today's society foster care, abandonment, single parenting, divorce and child abuse are on a rise and are harmful to young children.  Growing up in these environments has the potential to damage a child's confidence and sense of self. This work is entitled "True Colours" to represent their inabilities to know who they are completely and their struggle to let it show. 

On or In a Corner?

Marker and water on paper

2006

-- Naivety and innocence is of less value than it was in the past.  In movies, music and all media, we are faced with an unrealistic idea of sexuality, love and intimacy.  This work not only addresses this system, but also the sad reality of women feeling like the last resort is to sell their bodies. The title makes it clear that their situation is two-fold, yet there is no excuse for the existence of this profession.

Lest They Forget

Oil on canvas

2006

-- The USA's war in Iraq struck much conversation and conflict. My reaction is embedded in this painting. These three soldiers, each of different race and fighting for different sides, are portrayed here standing together with their arms around each other. It is my belief that war is perhaps the number one most unnecessary invention derived out of human greed.  Good men died, and for what exactly? Any problems we have, we must deal with in a way that does not require such suffering. These three soldiers prove that we can rise out from the darkness with our arms around each other in civilized agreement rather than animalism. 

People

Acrylic, oil and magazine on canvas

2006

-- This work was to show the limelight that celebrities receive, the fame and fortune they gain from smiling on the red carpet, while people go starving on the street.  While they are lit by the flashing cameras, the homeless boy sits beneath a lamppost which shines light on his inability to be successful and his limitations.  I did this work in reaction to celebrities acting as spokespersons for organizations, asking people to donate to charities, while they live more than comfortably.  

Rated 'R' for Reality

Oil on canvas

2006

-- In response to the Columbine shootings and other such disasters in the modern world, many experts blame violent video games and children's inability to set apart games verses reality.   I contemplated the idea of how such games desensitize obsessive 'gamers', and provided this interpretation of the idea in this painting.  The figures are all cartoon and graphic to emphasize.