SOMArts: I Can Explain.

As someone who was born into a generation that inevitably has to face climate change in such intensity, we see this imagery everyday. Often images seen on headlines that disappear in a click, are irreversible and a constant struggle. Materials that will inevitably decompose, showcasing the building potential, versatility, fragility and edge. This archway symbolizes the effects of climate change we see everyday, and encourages you to walk through it and acknowledge it in all its discomforting truth. Why focus so intensely on working with a material that is literally designed to decompose, and create something traditionally meant to stand the test of time? Because the planet we live on is naturally built to stand that test, yet we treat it like it’s cardboard. 

There ended up being around 15-20 artworks collaged over 2 pillars and 2 5-foot arches collaged with small cardboard pieces. These ranged from 5 inches in size to 2 feet, all done using charcoal and oil pastels. This project was the same as I planned to execute from the beginning of this project, however the collaged cardboard on the arches were not drawn on as planned, and the boxes didn’t line up perfectly - shocker. Although I had a few changes, the most difficult part was realizing the timeline and trusting the process, as something I have never done alone before. I created this the way I did because I wanted to do something sculptural and foundationally-sound, and something that takes up space. I found this to be the most successful aspect, along with the architectural feeling of an Ancient Greek arch. In the future, I would cover the arches in drawings as well, focus most of my attention on drawings, and think about additional lighting.