I chose Takashi Murakami as my artist because I was drawn to his vibrant color palettes, cartoon-inspired style, and the way he blends traditional Japanese art with modern pop culture. My artwork is related to Murakami’s through its use of bold outlines, flat colors, and a central flower motif that reflects his iconic smiling blooms. While working, I decided to simplify the composition to focus on one large flower and a few surrounding symbols to reflect my personal mood and thoughts, keeping the design minimal but expressive. I intentionally avoided shading and used repeated circular patterns to stay true to Murakami’s Superflat aesthetic, ensuring the piece remained visually clean and stylistically consistent.
I would put my life on the line for political polarization because extreme divisions in society can lead to violence, oppression, and the breakdown of democracy. Throughout history, deeply polarized nations have fallen into civil conflict, as seen in events like the Spanish Civil War, which inspired Picasso’s Guernica. Today, the growing divide between ideologies threatens social stability, fuels misinformation, and prevents meaningful change. Fighting against manipulation, propaganda, and political extremism is essential to preserving justice and unity.
Beyond individual beliefs, unchecked polarization leads to dangerous consequences, from government corruption to the suppression of rights. If my actions could bridge divides, encourage open dialogue, or expose the forces benefiting from division, I would take that risk. History shows that when people stop listening to each other, conflict becomes inevitable. Learning from the past and resisting those who profit from division is the only way to prevent destruction.
For this project, I created a visual piece using new digital drawing tools and software. I focused on applying color theory, balance, and contrast. My work features vibrant colors and dynamic compositions, with careful use of line and shape. I enjoyed experimenting with these tools but initially struggled with the software. In the future, these skills will help me create polished digital art and designs.