Senior Art Thesis

Charlotte Zee

ARTIST STATEMENT:

My oil-painted portraits depict the ways in which technology creates isolation, and on a large scale, how the modern world affects social relationships.

I began this project focusing on the ubiquitous “selfie” phenomenon. The images I made developed from self-contained, single figures in colorful backgrounds (frozen like an ant in amber) to specific environments that also served to isolate the figure. The colorful backgrounds gave way to the cold metallic color grey and the corral-like equipment we surround ourselves with.

Ironically, the figures took on a reverential quality because the figure’s eyes were closed, absorbed, and somewhat elongated. Simultaneously, the figures embody humorous qualities through the mundane act of taking selfies.

I thank the Steven Daniel Smallen Memorial Fund for their generosity and support.

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