Sustained Investigation #2

Reflection on Work

I selected acrylic on canvas for my artwork due to my familiarity with this medium. The versatility of acrylics enabled me to experiment with techniques, particularly in layering and texture, aligning with the expressive elements of my artistic concept. I began this piece by experimenting with symbolism in my sketchbook. I began by adding childhood toys to the side of the subject as though she was rejecting them. The colors of the bed and walls are to represent those colors that surrounded us in our childhood. Lastly, the magazine clipping placed in front of the subject showing models with shorter hair shows the influence of media on people. These elements connect back to my sustained investigation question as the subject encounters her first clash with identity. This artwork indicates my ongoing interest in exploring subjects and telling stories using symbolism. I aim for viewers to observe the subject's growth across each piece. Building on this, my next work will likely focus on the theme of discovering one's identity. I'm excited about trying out new materials in my sketchbook during this exploration. 

Finishing the piece 

When I was done with the piece I realized the background was very empty and lacking anything interesting. I began to think about my original idea in my sketchbook about adding posters to the back wall that would be the covers of magazines and how the juxtaposition of a magazine cover on a child's bedroom wall would make the viewer think deeper about the meaning of the piece. I decided to make the background almost overwhelming to represent the overwhelming influence and presence of media on the youth.