MIRAGE OF PROSPERITY

Influenced by Science Fiction illustrations and the Art Deco style of the 1920s-30s, this piece explores the theme of environmentalism. As a young Black animator/illustrator and aspiring urban and regional planner, I use abstract cartography, architectural compositions, and distorted landscapes to convey my thoughts and bring attention to important societal issues. This mixed-media art piece is an allegory for the way humans interact with one another and the planet we call home.
As we face an uncertain future, it is crucial to acknowledge the destructive nature of the human race and seek better solutions to preserve our planet. People have consistently turned a blind eye to the effects of their actions. The towering green structure in the foreground is a physical metaphor for the illusion of prosperity – in direct contrast with the omnipresent, drained, and mismanaged landscape in the background. While the focus is on the green structure, what I want the viewer to pay attention to is the background. Because it represents reality. We are so easily beset by the glamour of life that we persistently forget what real is. My goal in this artwork is to make us aware of the delusions that so frequently blur our vision of society so that we can make more conscious decisions in life.
As a resident of New Orleans, water has always been an integral part of my life, symbolizing the city's history, economy, and culture. However, with climate change and rising sea levels, water has transformed from a cherished asset to a looming threat. This was painfully evident during Hurricane Katrina in 2005, when the destructive power of water flattened homes, dismantled businesses, and disfigured Louisiana’s coastal landscape, leaving a skeleton of the once thriving city. Despite these clear warning signs, our failure to acknowledge and address these issues is simply the meaning of my piece “Mirage of Prosperity."

Christian

New Orleans Center for Creative Arts

Louisiana