Virtual Realities
Janya J.
Gouache on Paper
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As internet usage continues to rise, face-to-face connection is slowly being replaced by online interaction. I often find myself sitting silently while surrounded by other people, each of us glued to our phones. This painting captures the decision to choose the comfort of one’s devices over human interaction. The central figure holding the phone seems detached from the screen yet does not seek connection with her surroundings. The fish floats unnoticed in the background as the figures are engrossed in their devices—present but tied to the comfort of their phones. We are physically present around other people so often, but seldom do we seek out genuine human connection.
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In my art, I choose to examine the mundane moments in humans’ lives, choosing to exemplify our relationships with ourselves and the natural world through creative, abstract imagery including marine animals.