I have worked on a body of work titled Waiting, on and off, for the past twenty years. The waiting series consists of more than 400 paintings and installations. Drawing attention to everyday life, the series portrays scenes of isolated figures caught in routine, passive activities directed by existing circumstances: waiting in line for a bus, waiting to cross the street, riding the train, sitting in traffic, eating dinner, —such feelings of confinement and the act of doing the same thing every day. Alienation, working class consciousness and the fear of the possibility of nonexistence are familiar themes that prompt the viewer to further examine scenes that are seemingly mundane. As the title suggests, the Waiting series visually represents the concept of disconnection and anticipation, conveying the idea of transient temporality that exists in most moments of our daily lives.
Making Simple Sublime is an uncanny exploration of an artist's studio/domestic space that blurs the line between art and life, using self-referential techniques to thematize the act of inhabiting space and being confined to a particular place. The repeated rooms serve to reinforce and add new layers of meaning to what is already present, evoking the familiarity of routine and the mundane aspects of daily life while prompting a reevaluation of perceptual boundaries. The constant interplay between expectation and observation is exemplified in the central section, where the viewer is surrounded by fragmented mirrors that disorient and reflect both the observer and their surroundings, creating a disembodied experience that transforms the viewer from a passive observer into an active participant within the artwork. This phenomenological approach raises awareness of the senses, modes of observation, and the interplay between memory and place.
American Monologue delves into and challenges the concept of the American Dream, exploring resiliency, civic failure and success. The TV shows of the 1950s, such as Father Knows Best and Leave it to Beaver, epitomized the superficial nature of what we perceive to be the American Dream. Through the use of symbolism and installation, American Monologue ignites a discussion about memories, community, and division, shedding light on how past cultural decisions have shaped the present, and how current choices will impact the future of our society. Underneath the facade of the 1950s' success and beauty, racism, sexism, and homophobia were pervasive. This installation is a reflection on America's triumphs and struggles. The sculptural representation of colorful flowers growing next to a "For Sale By Owner" sign symbolizes the determination to rise above negative and improbable circumstances, whether they are natural disasters or man-made catastrophes. Will those who seek to return to a bygone era of black and white, exposing reactionary ideals, make America great again? Or will the unification and mobilization of progressive voices lead us towards a more colorful and inclusive society? What does the American Dream mean today? Is there even such a thing as the American Dream anymore? The intention is not to provide definitive answers to these questions, but rather to initiate a conversation.
“Morbi id dapibus dui. Duis pharetra vulputate porttitor. Pellentesque habitant morbi tristique senectus et netus et malesuada fames ac turpis egestas.”