“Our Progress So Far”

Paint on Black Walnut

Although the reference for this piece was meticulously created in fine detail with ink on paper, this larger, more tightly cropped version of the original tightens the focus on the more important visuals of the narrative. As stated, the reference drawing for this painting was created after a yearlong study of the style and subject matter of illustrative elements found on cash worldwide. And since the narrative of this artwork is a commentary on the United States, particular attention was paid to American cash. The biggest difference between the original drawing and this painting is the media. Black walnut was chosen for the canvas, and it, along with the limited black and white color pallet creates the look of an engraved copper plate. This is a sort of an homage to the engraved copper plates that were used back in Europe and all the way up until the 1980’s for printing cash in America.

From the original drawing’s artist statement, this artwork “features classical sculptures to represent the ideals and philosophies of ancient civilizations, often romanticized for their contributions to art and culture, yet they also symbolize the roots of power structures and governance. The war machines and public service vehicles symbolize the mechanisms of power, control, and societal organization.

At the base lies a large, impoverished village. This rendering serves as a stark contrast to the grandeur and might of the elements above, highlighting the disparities and inequalities perpetuated by those in power. The village, though portrayed as poor, is rich in detail and narrative, inviting the viewer to contemplate the daily realities and struggles of the majority who live under the shadows of these towering structures of power.

To characterize the current economic situation of end stage capitalism, and where we may be headed as a nation, I try to imagine a more up to date narrative that showcases the intense wealth inequality, exploitation of workers, and massive corporate profits in every sector while inflation continues to gauge us on every commodity imaginable.  My aim was to expand sheer amount of subjects – and therefore the narrative, creating a reminder of the continuous struggle between the ruling class and the oppressed, encouraging viewers to ponder the roles, responsibilities, and consequences of power in our world.