paranoia, 2023

24 in x 24 in x 18 in
Laser-cut acrylic with laser engravings, yarn, fishing wire

Artist statement:
This piece is a critique of the modern-day surveillance state of our country. The security cameras, represented in a bright orange color they would never be seen in, provide an ironic take on the transparency of when we are being watched. The orange is to symbolize caution and high visibility. The diamonds, which have text in them not only of my writings but also gathered writings about surveillance, symbolize this sharp feeling this specific type of paranoia can bring. The connective strings symbolize our train of thought and secretive identity mapping that is being done without our knowledge. All of this is framed by a large-scale television, which is the ultimate symbol of “watching.”

August-September, 2023: This piece was selected for the UNT CVAD Foundations program's "Emergence" exhibition, where it unofficially won "best in show" as the only piece that received a vote from all judges, and for which I was one of ten awarded the "Excellence in Foundations" scholarship. Of the 65 works on exhibition, I was the only artist to have two pieces selected.