My AP Art Design concentration I did in 2014 (11th grade in high school). A series of illustrations based on Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. I consider this a long time ago although apparently this was four years ago. Jinkies. For that reason, the writing below for my artist statement makes me cringe, as does the typography choices but hey I was learning.
My concentration is about alienation from society and the danger of a lack of communication, as seen through the lens of the literary work, “Frankenstein: Or the Modern Prometheus” by Mary Shelley. This includes self-imposed isolation as well as isolation brought about by others, and how these types of isolation are treated.
My pieces utilize a layering of traditional and digital arts, as well as surreal images to represent the dilemma between society, the alien and the psyche of the alien.
First I used Victor Frankenstein's romantic ideas of himself to illustrate alienation. These were symbolic images 1, 2 & 3. These show how Victor believed himself a martyr, so he shut himself in, feeling commoners couldn't grasp his genius, nor his complex mental torment. This unneeded melodramatic isolation causes real issues later. In image 4, I now show how Victor’s Creation is stuck being unlike the rest of humanity, with biological estrangement. Images 5-7 show how the Creation can’t accept isolation unlike his creator, and seeks assimilation. But society hates outsiders, causing permanent loneliness. Rejection causes frustration, making violent change. Image 8 shows how the Creation is forced into being a Monster. He was made to kill an accusing child. By 9 I bring back Victor by arranging 4 panels showing a split of how some are labeled by society compared to their true nature. Even the isolated Victor thinks his creation monstrous, yet Victor stays violent. Image 10 shows that Victor sees his creation as the cause of his issues. But finally, he knows ignoring his family caused their deaths. Image 11 shows Victor’s realization of his guilt, while 12 shows the monster accepting societal judgement as Victor stands idly by. While my focus shifted from romantic to grim, I want to show how a lack of communication hurts all.
Original ink and watercolor pieces as well as unused sketches
