My Artworks

• Theme: Freedom & Boundaries

• Medium: Digital (Procreate)

• Date: Dec 15th 2024 - January 5th 2025

• Artist: Tayshaun

• Artist Statement:

The inspiration for this artwork came from Jera Wolfe’s choreographic piece “Arise.” A single photo from the dance sparked the idea for this depiction of freedom and boundaries Entitled “Crabs In A Barrel.”  

In the foreground, humanoid figures with crab-like features pull one another down, symbolizing the barriers that restrict freedom, whether people, society, or work. The purple crowd embodies envy and arrogance, while a lone figure in bright orange represents determination and the will to break free. These opposing emotions coexist in a dynamic visual that portrays the struggle for liberation.  

The background further amplifies this theme. At the top, an opening in the barrel reveals drifting clouds and soaring birds, symbolizing the possibility of freedom. Below, the scene transitions to an underwater world, highlighted by a blue tint, hazy light, and watery textures on the characters and floor. Light rays from the opening separate the orange figure from the background, with complementary blue and orange hues emphasizing the contrast between freedom’s light and the barrel’s darkness.  

Details like bubbles, fish, and seaweed enrich the underwater setting, unifying the piece. Together, the elements create a vivid representation of struggle, hope, and the pursuit of liberation.