Capitol Letters

Introduction

With rising tensions in the political and economic climate, it is important that we recognize our dependence on oil and fossil fuels, which make up sixty percent of our energy generation. As climate change increases average global temperature, sea level, and the severity of natural disasters, we must recognize the systemic history that created it. Through both past and current systems in power, large corporations working in tandem with politicians fuel the reliance on this natural resource. This capstone highlights the methods that fossil fuel companies use to propagate reliance on non-renewable energy while hindering the integration of renewable energy into our energy grid. 

Influences

One of the major scholarly influences for this capstone is Pedro Mariani’s “Climate Change and International Cooperation.” This source provided a more in-depth look at the issue of climate change on an international scope. It highlights the importance of government cooperation, with scientific guidelines, in order to reduce the exacerbating effects of climate change. It underscores the causes of climate change, the inherent inequalities in its shared cost on the world, and how feuding among nations further contributes to the problem.

The major artistic influence of this capstone was Nicole Garneau’s Performing Revolutionary: Art, Action, Activism. This book discusses methodologies of portraying messages and themes through the mediums of visual art. The text gives an overview of the history of revolutionary performative art, recent displays, recent marches, and a how-to on how to make your own.

Methods

Surrealist art has always been a form of revolutionary art, starting as a movement depicting the psychological trauma and disillusionment caused by WWI. Incorporating that into the theme, idea generation took the form of in-depth research on several surrealist artists. This included artists such as René Magritte, Max Ernst, Jakub Rozalski, and John Harris. Smaller idea creation was done through rapid iteration, quickly jotting down ideas in rapid succession to create a basis for which to refine. Online classes and digital painting lessons hosted by Ctrl+Paint, as well as Learn To Paint art books, created a foundational understanding of painting as an art form, wherein lighting, color theory, and blending techniques were enhanced. The artwork was created on Krita. 

Audience and Impact

The goal of this capstone was to convince the voting population to vote for policies and politicians divesting from fossil fuel conglomerates. The audience should take away a feeling of dread or discomfort that will fuel them to enact real change. With that, the capstone appeals primarily to the younger generations of voters, as they will be around long enough to transform this goal into fiscal policy. This project has had a profound effect on me. I have been able to find a creative outlet through my busy time at college, while doing something that I am truly passionate about. Starting the painting process as a complete beginner, these skills fostered throughout the semester have been a great stepping stone into future endeavors. 

Acknowledgments

This capstone project was created with the concentrated efforts of the Art Scholars’ faculty and community, primarily Harold Burgess and Irene Park, who have been cornerstones in the program. Much of the inspiration, creation, and peer review processes of this capstone were influenced by the sophomores who actively participated in fueling, viewing, and critiquing throughout the iterative design process. Finally, a great congratulations to 2026’s graduating scholar class!

References: 

Mariani, Pedro. “Climate Change and International Cooperation.” Harvard ALI Social Impact Review, Harvard ALI Social Impact Review, 12 Aug. 2025, www.sir.advancedleadership.harvard.edu/articles/climate-change-and-international-cooperation.

Garneau, Nicole. Performing Revolutionary: Art, Action, Activism. Edited by Anne Cushwa, University Of Chicago Press, Accessed 21 Oct. 2025. UMD Library Source

Leslie, Richard. Surrealism: The Dream Of Revolution. New Line Books, 2006.