Reflection

Reflection

I came up with the idea for my piece from the subtheme: “Generational Knowledge”, particularly concerning colonization and indigenous peoples. I wanted to depict America’s generational relationship with nature, and how humanity has become disconnected from nature through colonization and industrialization. My art/process was inspired by Renaissance paintings, which often depicted many people doing different activities, each person representing something that adds depth. In my case, each figure represents a certain era in American history, which the background reflects. Indigenous people in harmony with “Mother Nature”, a European settler cutting trees, a Gilded Age businessman with factory pollution, a woman from the 1970’s with highway systems and telephones, and finally a boy living in the modern era. I chose the medium of digital art because it allows me to express an unlimited amount of detail and additions to my work, in comparison to other categories, which I feel has more limitations. Previously, I used digital art for commissions, which I have been doing for five years. My message to the viewers of my artwork is that our roots are still there. Although we’ve strayed from them, change is still possible with every era. I wish my piece be used as a visual representation of the true price of technological advances and modernity. I hope that my piece can spark the realization for change, as well as further reflection on our world today.