uic bfa class of 2020

In my work I explore themes of politics, particularly in the critique of capitalism, questioning class and power structures, and advocacy for leftist ideals. In my portrait paintings I incorporate a sculptural element of materiality, where the surfaces being painted on may be considered to be “proletariat materials” while the painting itself provides a richness of emotion, through color, texture, and facial expression. In exploring depression, self-image, and death, I aim to evoke the feelings of the contemporary proletariat under the oppressive and exploitative conditions of American capitalism. Moving forward with my practice I plan to further investigate how art and politics intertwine and how the viewer can connect with my work in a more potent, poetic way.