District (2020)

Material: Spray Paint

Surface: Wood Panel

During my time spray-painting I was deeply interested in the idea of repetition. I hand crafted multiple stencils with verses and only sprayed onto the canvas using them. Creating a composite. I was engaged with the idea of using entertainment and repetition as a coping mechanism. There is always something expedient people do in order to escape the struggles of their daily lives or even more impactful events. Music was an example I used when presenting this work. Sometimes a song hits just right and so adequately represents your current mindset that you feel incentivized to repeat it over and over again.

The way I see it, that action is representative of being complacent with that current state of mind. And is a step required in order to make peace with yourself and that specific event. Which is why that the association between sounds and memories are so strong hence why music is used to trigger memories for Alzheimer's patients. Repetition is a tool in many instances it is used negatively, it promotes stagnation. However, it could also be used to promote growth and good habits. The self is the most powerful critic, if you constantly deem yourself inadequate, you will remain as such. If you constantly remind yourself you can grow than you will grow. Progress requires repetition, it's the act that allows the brain to retool itself for ones aspirations.

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