The first stand alone image ( not created as a series ) came about after hearing an NPR story about the thousands who are expecting the end of the world on Saturday at 6 PM(May 21st, 2011). This was followed by stumbling upon an article in the Wall Street Journal titled ”The Enduring Appeal of the Apocalypse by Michael Shermer. ” In most doomsday scenarios, the end is a transition to a new beginning and a better life.” The title alone was one of the most inspiring commentaries I have read in a while. I was compelled to do a piece to commemorate it. I could not come up with a title more fitting than the one already assigned by Mr Shermer.
I created various versions of ” The Candidate ” for the 2012 election. With the circus like hype and constant loop of news and entertainment surrounding the candidates, it only seemed fitting to make this a commemorative image. Somehow it served as a nice sequel to the fun and fascination that came with the earlier apocalyptic hype.
“China” was inspired by the almost constant news about China and U.S fear of being replaced as the world’s top nation. The piece was composed with the underlying framework of Chairman Mao’s face along with Chiang Kai-shek’s eyes. The newspaper clipping reflect fear and the enmeshment between the two countries across the multiple layers of finance, trade, power and international influence. I have had multiple questions about my intent regarding this piece. It is neither a ” good ” or ” bad ” commentary, but simply a reflection of what I was thinking and feeling at the time.