Rise

Rise is from the on going body of work, The Baby Tooth Isn't Loose, that delves into an estranged exploration of the fault lines in human nature. This works addresses post-colonial structures surrounding race and labor within a continued push for development worldwide. The burning brush as a symbol of power serves to enchant and mystify the viewer where its seductive qualities are both magnetic and concerning. Additionally, referencing The Creation of Adam, the hands are a powerful tool that adversely looks back to euro-centric beginnings and even the brain as a tool for gain on the back of others in this case. Systematically, this work (scale included) serves as an important angle in the larger body of the work where seemingly impersonal elements of industry have tremendous consequences on consumerism, trade, and global dominance.  

Project Statement 

Today’s reality is guided by competition alongside the fierce longing to ascend into what many call paradise. What lies in this pursuit are strangely manufactured channels of both sincerity and unsettling moments that make us question our ultimate wishes. These uncomfortable forms of excess, desire, and hope to live forever, tie us together but also create further separation than ever before in this consummate dance to the finish line. 

The Baby Tooth Isn't Loose delves into an estranged exploration of the fault lines in human nature where uncanny disruptions defamiliarize our experiences with the ordinary. This mirage makes sharp turns to emotionally probe both the viewer with surreal moments that raise questions around our notions of certainty and visual faith.