Dylan's Collage Project

Artist Statement:

My collage seeks to communicate the need to accept global diversity in the process of reaching peace. The bull is made up of each and every country flag on Earth, rather than just encompassing the Spanish flag, to further symbolize the rich diversity we are blessed with in our lives. In many cultures, the bull represents wealth, potency, kingship, and the taming of the animal nature. Bulls therefore serve as excellent role models when it comes to being bold and, accepting the challenges in life, and cooperating with others in a “kingly” manner. More diversity is expressed in this collage through the different people portrayed along the bottom, as well as the rich environments our planet has, ranging from cities to snow-covered hills topped with reindeer, to the ocean. Global warming is also an important issue, and is clearly shown at the top center, where a polar bear struggles in aboard melting ice. In short, the wildlife and nature portrayed in the collage reminds us of what we need to protect and share our home with. Monkeys are often seen as mischievous, but it is easy to forget that they also represent loving parents and keen wit, as well as the eagerness to learn from their surroundings. The dove, just as all doves, develops into a universal symbol for peace, and, to its left lays a map of the world, to hint where this peace needs to occur. The man feeding chickens at the bottom right serves as an example to the kind of generosity we owe to others. Creativity is articulated through the various letters of the alphabet in English, Mandarin, and Arabic, as well as the guitar propped by the monkey. Our lives are ephemeral, and often confusing or twisted, as evident in Dali’s clock from The Persistence of Memory at the top left. In my opinion, some of the few leaders who have met and expressed the importance of diversity and tranquility are The Beatles, pictured at the bottom in the center. They have each shown us care and given us the insights of the possibility of harmony, merely through their clever music. Finally, the car at the bottom left represents the idea of moving forward to what happens next in the future, but also remembering the importance of the past (The car’s license plate is from Texas, where I used to live).

Philosophy:

Within the stretch of my lifetime, I seek to encourage cooperation and global harmony or peace. By doing so, much more will be accomplished; we will have the capabilities of solving worldwide problems like the conservation of our nonrenewable resources and global warming. It is important to appreciate all that we have on earth and that we work to keep the world this way, always trying to learn more not only about Earth but the universe we live in. Lives are ephemeral and people need to value and embrace all the gifts we have. One of the most important ways to express oneself and share the world and societies we live in is through creativity and language. By embracing multicultural backgrounds, the perspectives people have will be broadened to encompass a better understanding of the world we live in, and the necessity of universal human rights won’t be an existing issue.