Others, passing by 9 Painting

In the bustling metropolis of New York City, where the pulse of materialism beats incessantly, I find my self grappling with the juxtaposition of light and darkness, rationality and irrationality, creation and destruction, all coexisting in a dizzying dance. Capturing snippets of the urban panorama, I observe the ebb and flow of life as people traverse the streets and subways. Their faces tell stories—of triumphs and tribulations, joys and sorrows—etched by the relentless passage of time. These transient moments mirror the brevity of our own existence. Reflecting on his own journey as an immigrant studying abroad in New York, I am transported back to a time of uncertainty and wonder. Amidst the cacophony of unfamiliarity, I grappled with feelings of isolation and alienation, like an analog Astroboy adrift in a digital sea. Enter Atom, his childhood cartoon hero, and his faithful companion, Romeo the cat. Together, they navigate the bustling streets of New York, bridging the chasm between past and present, familiarity and foreignness. In my oil painting work, the vibrant city scene, bustling with people, suggests the energy and busyness of urban life. The inclusion of Astro Boy, a recognizable character from manga and anime, adds a layer of surrealism and perhaps nostalgia. Astro Boy's presence amidst ordinary people highlights feelings of alienation and not belonging, as if he is out of place in the real world, mirroring the artist's sentiment of feeling alone and different. The bright colors and dynamic composition amplify these emotions, making the viewer ponder the juxtaposition of fitting in and standing out.