Debris
IDA B WELLS MIDDLE SCHOOL
2020
In 2020, my curiosity grew about space and finding ways to push my work from a flat 2D space to 3D. I was interested in developing a sculptural painting that used the wall as a negative space to create a composition. I wanted to create something that explored this interest but also spoke to our collective experience. Using MDF board, layering newspaper, medium, and paint, I fabricated over 60 cut-out shapes and created Debris.
Debris is an ode to resilience, hope, and perseverance. I was heavily influenced by the news and the state of the world when creating Debris. The idea of our world being wrecked and destroyed was very present in my mind. Each shape is different and has a unique texture affixed to the wall representing a metaphor for the year of chaos, of being broken and having to start over.
Having to pick up the pieces of a broken system and build something new can be overwhelming and intimidating, but I wanted to bring that it is possible to create something new and beautiful from Debris. I want this work to speak to that and bring some joy into the world.