''Oil spill no.2''/ ''Déversement no.2'' Painting

My latest work called ‘’The Black Series’’, is a glimpse of the human and environmental turmoil in the world today. I explore the powerful creative and destructive forces at large, the dualities that govern mankind, life on Earth, as well as who or what is liable for the onset of universal chaos and the current global economic shocks. I look deep into the dark beast that drives mankind to live in the often unpredictable and volatile shadows where his future in this increasingly hostile environment is compromised. “We’re all in a race; a battle between two forces: degradation and restoration. Who will win? We don’t know.” (Hubert Reeves, Astrophysicist) ‘’The Black Series’’ is a trilogy where the works of art are grouped into the following components: ‘’Organic’’, ‘’Shadows’’, and ‘’Pop Tart’’. The ‘’Organic’’ component questions our troubled relationship with the environment in this time of over-exploitation of non-renewable resources and our thirst for oil. “The discovery of oil can be described as both a blessing and a curse. This once cheap and plentiful energy source has driven huge economic expansion and increased living standards over the last 100 years. But its use has also had devastating environmental consequences.” (David Suzuki Foundation) “The laws of nature dictate that if you don’t live in harmony with nature, you will disappear.” (Hubert Reeves) '' We do not inherit the land from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children. '' (Antoine de Saint-Exupéry) The ‘’Shadows’’ component tackles human identity crises in a modern society that lacks core values in an era of globalization. What has become of mankind in this environment? A soulless pawn on a global economic chess board? I am especially drawn to religious identity and values,especially the debate surrounding the wearing of Islamic headscarves. Through art, I hope to capture the paradox—the meeting between the sacred and commodification of the image of women in advertising concepts. Lastly, the more light-hearted ‘’Pop Tart’’ component aims to inspire the viewer to think about our tendency to over-consume and industrialize the ego. In a materialistic society that focuses on a self-absorbed me, it seems that we must either strive to be a consumer or in the public eye. I distort the meaning of (sometimes iconic) images as well as intended advertising messages or trademarks. I play with textures and magazine graphics.