juxtaposing heterogeneous and contradictory elements, “Interconnected Contrasts” attempts to investigate the multidimensionality and complexities of power dialectics in totalitarian societies. In this body of work, I have put elements such as the concrete wall, bullet holes, blood, graffiti and scrawls in dialogue with garden and landscape elements such as pavilions, ponds, trees, plants to confront notions of trauma, violence, horror, oppression and crudeness with elegance, resistance, beauty and resilience. Walls in my paintings are depicted as a space for protesters’ scrawls and graffiti as well as a representation of burden and oppression metaphorically. Although walls are utilized predominantly by the authority to propagate its ideology and influence the populace for predetermined ends, they become the tribune for dissidents to express social concern and political criticism; Shifting the power dynamics, dissidents change the possibility of oppression to a threat against authority through reclaiming the streets.

In my paintings I use materials such as oil and acrylic paint, modelling paste, Coldwax, Liquin Impasto and a mix of oil mediums to imitate the texture of cement, concrete and tar to Create rough textures to metaphorically reference the acts of concealment, eradication and negligence as means of control and power.