Michelle Dang

My sustained investigation is an exploration of how humans interact with evolving technology. Throughout my pieces, I define the qualifications for technology. Technology is beyond the electrical applications and branches into the idea of powerful problem solving tools. Technology can be modern electronics like a telephone or camera but also an intentionally designed product like knitting needles.

I focus on an non-traditional color pallete’s impact on concept, the emphasis of composition, and the use of medium hybrids. I choose a color palette according to each technology. For instance, the camcorder piece is painted in red, green, and blues to emphasize the three LEDs of the camcorder’s screen. I use a collage-styled composition to tell the story of human-technology interactions while creating unconscious leading lines to unify all images. To further emphasize my sustained investigation, I use printed digital paintings to compliment, contradict, or camouflage with traditional mediums. I explore the benefits and dangers of technology along with how they are integrated into human routine.

I owe my growth and development to Mrs. Rodriguez and my AP classmates who encourage me to expand my ideas, materials, and techniques. I am grateful for their support, honest criticism, and genuine help. Although I am mostly comfortable with using digital and acrylic paint, I have recently explored colored pencil, watercolor, and oil pastel.

Because I am always striving to find an equal medium between digital and traditional platforms, I plan on studying graphic design where I will learn how to use design thinking to creatively problem solve.