Mannequest Destiny

 “Mannequest Destiny”

My undergraduate thesis, "Mannequest Destiny" is primarily comprised of oil paintings, complemented by studies of sculpture and lithography. This body of work is characterized by themes of introspection and exploration, as I connect deeply with myself and the world around me.

In this series, I focus on the magic of childhood, capturing moments of a child playing with drawing mannequins and letting his imagination run wild. Inspired by the whimsical narratives of Calvin and Hobbes by Bill Watterson, the iconic imagery of Drew Struzan's blockbuster movie posters, and the emotional depth found in the works of masters like Mary Cassatt and John Singer Sargent, I aim to evoke a sense of nostalgia for simpler times.

Through these sequential narrative oil paintings, which draw from my own childhood experiences, I examine the relationship between isolation and creative development in young minds. Utilizing a multifaceted approach, I integrate photo editing software (Affinity Photo 2) to combine self-made sketches, original photographs, AI-generated images, and various online sourced images into digital collages that serve as a starting point for my process. I then translate these unified ideas to canvas by hand, beginning with an imprimatura and an underpainting to help visualize a value map. After hand-mixing a color palette for the piece, I begin blocking in large color shapes by hand and I begin modeling the subject with a direct approach. Finally, I stratigically apply hand mixed transparent colors in a glaze, allowing me to vividly represent a child’s imaginative world and inviting viewers to reconnect with their innate desire for fun.

By employing these techniques, I juxtapose hyperrealism with illustrative styles, creating a visual dialogue between the child's reality and their fantastical imaginings. This series serves as a nostalgic escape from the complexities of modern life, encouraging a return to the playful, imaginative moments that define our early years.

My aspiration for this series is to create thought-provoking artwork that stirs memories and evokes joy, celebrating the imaginative spirit that resides within us all. As Picasso once stated, it took him a lifetime to paint like a child. With this series, I invite viewers to think like a child.