Statement of Perspective

This abstract piece utilizes the traditional beauty of regional, South Asian-inspired patterns to critique the nature of a capitalist society. Created using colored pencils to build vivid tones within, and black ink to create a striking border, this piece juxtaposes the draw of bright colors and swirling shapes with the underlying, unsettling reality of capitalism. 

The intricate shapes and bright colors are meant to captivate the viewer, mirroring the marketing techniques used to glamorize and conceal the more sinister machinery and processes that fuel modern capitalism and industrialism. These almost hypnotic elements are a metaphor for the way that beauty and aesthetic appeal distracts the public from the exploitation and dehumanization that forms the backbone of the system.

Furthermore, the stark black border, with bursts of color, is meant to create a visual boundary, emphasizing the way that viewers are entrapped within this hypnotic, idealistic world view, unable to look deeper and uncover the menacing systems within. Additionally, the pattern and repetition within the piece is meant to highlight the trance that companies put individuals in, keeping them entrapped as metaphorical ‘cogs in the machine.’ 

This piece invites viewers to search beyond its flamboyant surface and question the alluring facade that capitalism weaponizes in order to conceal the inhumanity that lies beneath its appealing exterior.