Mary L. Peng, Urban Cacophony: Fragile Realities (2023)

Print on paper, 15 inches x 10 inches

Digital Art
TemperatureBiodiversityEmisisons

Drawing inspiration from free-flowing surrealism, a retro-futuristic cityscape emerges to imagine the invisible consequences of urban life. The elephant, a symbol of wisdom and strength, assumes a central role within this composition. Its massive presence serves as a poignant reminder of the profound impact that human activities have on the natural world. As it stands beneath the brooding cloud of urban waste, the elephant becomes an embodiment of the earth itself, burdened by the weight of our collective actions. The towering trash serves as a visual allusion to the consequences of our society's unsustainable practices, a stark reminder of the immense waste and pollution that plagues our urban landscapes, suffocating the natural environment and disrupting the delicate balance of ecosystems. By juxtaposing the elegance and grace of the elephant against the unsightly presence of trash, the artwork highlights the tension between the eco-balance of nature and the destructive capacities of industrial civilization. By distorting and rearranging the elements of an urban landscape, the photo-surrealistic style of the artwork further lends an air of both realism and dream to the scene, bordering on reality and imagination that calls into the urgency of confronting the harsh truths of our environmental impact before nightmares become a reality. The use of lightweight paper as opposed to more durable materials as the medium for this artwork adds another layer of complexity and symbolism. Paper, with its fragility, serves as a metaphor for the delicate state of our planet. It speaks to the vulnerability of our ecosystems in the face of environmental degradation and reminds us of the urgent need for preservation and stewardship. Through the convergence of artistic elements, the artwork ultimately calls upon us to recognize the consequences of our actions, to reevaluate our relationship with the natural world, and to embrace the imperative for change. I hope this artwork will serve as a catalyst for dialogue and action—a reminder that it is within our power to shape a more sustainable and harmonious future for our planet.

Instagram Website Inquire artwork