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Plugged Nation is a metaphor for our society, highlighting technology’s takeover of our minds. As a digital animator and creator who engages with technology on a constant basis, I am always carrying multiple chargers to keep alive the many devices that serve as an extension of my being. My reliance on technology inspired me to make this piece of art as a virtual escape from reality. It represents my happy place: the beach. A carefree version of me sits peacefully enjoying the calming ocean view and a delicious ice cream cone. Every artistic decision was made to illustrate the feeling one gets while daydreaming, from the curved shapes of this isometric world to the limited yet warm color palette that emanates from it. Through my art, I hope to remind people of the importance to unplug and enjoy the beauty of life’s simple pleasures.

Scattered Minds | Blue

What started off as a photomontage sketch transformed into a three-dimensional surreal landscape, where miniature wooden puppets interact with giant ceramic body parts. In this imaginary world, we witness a puppet climbing a ladder, another one being controlled from above by an oversized hand like a marionette with strings attached to its limbs, a face detached from a head, as well as a pensive character sitting on the edge of a big foot on wheels. 
This piece is a commentary on how technology, FOMO social media culture, the corporate rat race and the pressure to climb to the top have shaped our society and our notion of what is important. This has resulted in a generation of scattered brains with scattered goals as we try to do it all and be everything and everywhere at the same time, pressured by the knowledge and acute awareness of everyone else’s whereabouts. 

Scattered Minds | Black

The Last Rhino

This project is dedicated to the memory of the last male northern white rhino, Sudan. He died in May of 2018 in Kenya, a rich and beautiful country which I once had the pleasure of calling my home. Inspired by his story and wanting to address the devastating effects of poaching, I created a surreal image of a hot air balloon pulling an old rhinoceros' horn away from him. Using three-dimensional sculpting tools, I designed my character as an anthropomorphized version of a rhino wearing a dashing striped suit while holding a cane. His human characteristics and upright posture engage the audience with the story, making them empathize with his predicament. 
Given the somber nature of the content, my choice of bright colors might be perplexing to some. I purposefully wanted to create a paradoxical world to highlight the absurdity of our reality, in which one values a part of the rhinoceros so much, that one is willing to sacrifice the only possible surviving male male progenitor.