Choas

Choas (2013) 

 

This mixed-media creation "Choas" is a representation of our present-day degradation within the American public school system.

I used techniques similar to Max Ernst's Decalcomania and used "chance" painting like Jean Arp. Since most of the Fantastical artists, both indenpendent and attached to groups, commentated on their present-day conditions, and mostly sought to enter a "dream-like" world, the use of color and action were my key focuses.

 I used acrylic and watercolor paints. I created texture by crumbling tissue paper of assorted colors and bleeding them into the paint. I used broken glass and broken-up cottonballs for various levels of texture and experimentation. 

I wanted progression and for the viewer's eye to travel from left to right. 

The use of the misspelled word of chaos to "Choas" is symbolic of a chaotic educational system with fake remedies for success. The child-like colors juxtaposed with unsettling textures and harsh edges gives the viewer a sense of unease. The smiley and frowning faces on notebook paper makes the painting eerie. And the dark, purple figure outstretched with a blood red head provokes fear.