9 to 6 feet under Print

"9 to 6 Feet Under" delves into the emotional complexities of the modern work grind, capturing its relentless demands on the psyche and the disintegration of personal identity. At first glance, a black man's figure emerges, adorned in a tuxedo, symbolizing the structured confines of a corporate world. Yet, his face is fragmented, its features scattered across his attire. This metaphor embodies the weight of the grind, depicting the disintegration of identity, as the individual's very essence is torn apart by the ceaseless pressures of the 9-to-6 routine. Upon closer examination, a vulnerable revelation unfolds. The same figure, now more intimately exposed, stands before the viewer. The colors shift to subdued tones, mirroring the subdued emotions suppressed in the pursuit of meeting expectations. A cigarette hangs from his fingers, a gesture of coping and appeasement, as tendrils of smoke spiral upward, eloquently mirroring the release of accumulated stress. "9 to 6 Feet Under" is an exploration of the paradox of modern existence – the external veneer of success juxtaposed against the internal turmoil of constant striving. The vivid reds symbolize the urgency and pressure of the work environment, while the blues and yellows convey the undercurrents of melancholy and hope that coexist within. The interplay of these colors emphasizes the complexity of the emotions stirred by the relentless grind. With this piece, I hope to invite you to reflect on your own experiences within the corporate world, the sacrifices made, and the hidden vulnerabilities that accumulate over time. "9 to 6 Feet Under" evokes empathy for those caught in the unending cycle of productivity, urging us to recognize the fragility beneath the façade and the importance of acknowledging the toll that the grind can take on our sense of self and well-being.