It seems obvious that the world is currently becoming increasingly fragmented. In the midst of the resulting chaos, it is easy to think this is the way it has always been. However, there were times when people and cultures had more consensus regarding what is true and how one should order their life around that truth. These cultures produced art that expressed that consensus, clarity and unity. Until recently, humanity held that truth resided outside the individual and it was the duty of each person to adjust to that truth. In contrast today, if any consensus exists, it is built around the narrative that we all determine our own truth and independently decide how to act on that truth – radical individualism.
Now imagine, eight billion souls inhabiting the planet, all going their separate unique ways – determining their own reality and taking actions that suit them. Where does this lead us? Sadly, during these times many look toward strong leaders capable of imposing their will on others to generate momentary order…by denying large swaths of people their ability to believe and act the way they choose – a tragic irony. How do we stitch things back together and build a functional consensus without resorting to coercion, violence or controlling, manipulating others? This complex whirlwind is what I am conveying in a recent series of mixed media works on paper – one shown here.
my first thought was portal or black hole….the image does a really good job of emulating chaos for sure….I think the world has alwasy been like this David….during my life certainly….and before me worse….with the modern world wars etc….I think media and technology seem to increase the sense of drama….but then I look out the window and everything seems fine….while I doubt much will ever change with humanity I continue to focus on hope…there are stile positive hopeful people out there….I seek them…..somehow in my life I have been able to stay out of the storm for the most part… I avoid politics and protest at all costs….I suppose you could say i have been lucky, but I also think some people just havae their eyes open and see which path leads in the direction they seek….so that would be true for the dictators types as well I guess….we are all different, but I prefer a nice and calm environment LOL…it’s tricky 🙂