Ruminations, 2023

Contemplating on things that are considered to have worth or value, I produced a simple sketch. What I sketched out fell short of what I was looking for, yet the essence was there. Over a few months, and a few other sketches, the concept evolved. Through a conversation, the museum setting came about. 

Such broken things, as the statue represents, are looked upon as priceless works of art. This sculptor’s skill and their depiction of humanity inspires us, yet this can also blind us. Idealization can cause a blind eye to be turned to true human potential…wasted by all or nothing judgments. In the shadows of lost time, opportunities, and people, those cast aside consider their losses and worth. What price tag does one put on a life that holds potential? Haven’t we all been broken?

The bars in front of the man in blue are nothing but a symbolic depiction. The shadow bars behind the statue are the actual shadows of my San Quentin cell door, as sunlight filtered through it while I worked… so it was included.