For this contest I decided to emphasize the duality of human nature by illustrating the darkness lurking beneath the surface of a young "pure" girl. I chose to depict this through water for its symbolic and cultural aspects. Water brings life, and without it, we would not exist. The pond’s surface also acts as a mirror, which is seen as a confirmation of existence and truth.
Similarly, emotion plays an important role in this effort, as it can alter what one considers to be socially acceptable. To accentuate this, theater masks were incorporated into the border each depicting a different emotion. Fear, sadness, anxiety, and anger all affect one’s primary impulses, and can alter even a “civilized” person’s disposition.
The internal struggle we all face is seen through the decisions we encounter every day. Personal morals and ideologies are constantly being challenged, and ultimately inspire our conduct. Though it is a difficult battle, it is an unavoidable truth of the human condition.

Details: [link]


Medium: Prismacolor marker and colored pencil on Bristol board
Size: 13”x19”
Time: 34 hours