"Dystopia; The Burden of Being Human" is a collection of paintings showcasing human tragedy. Our goal, as a species, is to evolve; to avoid the repetition of our twisted past. Our history should sit on our shoulders as a reminder, a weight that gets lighter as society advances. Together, we must challenge our history, pull the trolley lever, and defy dystopia.
Artist Statement
Going into high school, I never expected such a unique and incredible opportunity to advance my career as an artist to present itself. I knew as soon as I was introduced to the concept of the Academies (and VAM as an extension) that I needed to be there. Fast-forward three years, and I sit before my computer, writing the last artist statement of my high school career.
“Dystopia: The Burden of Being Human” (2023-24) is the final Independent project of my time in the VAM academy. Completed using solely acrylic paint and canvas, this collection of four pieces illustrates some of the many downsides to being human. These paintings, subtitled “Broken Family (¼)”, “Political Unrest (2/4)”, “Personal Loss Widespread (¾)” and “Legacy (4/4)” each focus on a different struggle of humanity.
Last semester, when applications for VAM 30 opened, I had no idea what to choose as my project, only knowing that I wanted a chance to re-showcase my painting skills after the unsatisfactory product of my grade 10 independent project. The specific idea for this final series quite literally came to me in a dream, and I could not get it out of my head, so I went for it. Frankly, the finished product is beyond satisfactory in my eyes, and I feel that I have accurately showcased what I can do with a tube of paint and a paintbrush. I chose a semi-realism style for this series because I draw a lot of inspiration from artists Salvador Dalí and René Magritte and wanted to expand my style from (attempted) realism to something a bit less serious, but still fun.
I used consistent elements (gas masks and negative aspects of life) to connect these paintings as a series, but otherwise left them as separate entities. This is to cement that though we are humans as a species, we are all vastly different individuals who do not experience things in the exact same way as any other individual would.
This project was the perfect opportunity to expand my skills, develop my painting style, and attract new customers, all of which it did. Thanks to VAM 30, I am more confident in my artistic abilities than ever and am ready to expand into the business side of art. Thank you for the incredible opportunity to showcase my art to the world over the past three years. This experience was invaluable.
“Dystopia: The Burden of Being Human” (2023-24) is the final Independent project of my time in the VAM academy. Completed using solely acrylic paint and canvas, this collection of four pieces illustrates some of the many downsides to being human. These paintings, subtitled “Broken Family (¼)”, “Political Unrest (2/4)”, “Personal Loss Widespread (¾)” and “Legacy (4/4)” each focus on a different struggle of humanity.
Last semester, when applications for VAM 30 opened, I had no idea what to choose as my project, only knowing that I wanted a chance to re-showcase my painting skills after the unsatisfactory product of my grade 10 independent project. The specific idea for this final series quite literally came to me in a dream, and I could not get it out of my head, so I went for it. Frankly, the finished product is beyond satisfactory in my eyes, and I feel that I have accurately showcased what I can do with a tube of paint and a paintbrush. I chose a semi-realism style for this series because I draw a lot of inspiration from artists Salvador Dalí and René Magritte and wanted to expand my style from (attempted) realism to something a bit less serious, but still fun.
I used consistent elements (gas masks and negative aspects of life) to connect these paintings as a series, but otherwise left them as separate entities. This is to cement that though we are humans as a species, we are all vastly different individuals who do not experience things in the exact same way as any other individual would.
This project was the perfect opportunity to expand my skills, develop my painting style, and attract new customers, all of which it did. Thanks to VAM 30, I am more confident in my artistic abilities than ever and am ready to expand into the business side of art. Thank you for the incredible opportunity to showcase my art to the world over the past three years. This experience was invaluable.
More shots
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