Postmodern Apocalypse

Sashini Liyanage

Year 12

School: Willetton Senior High School

Medium: Oil paint and newspaper on canvas

Artist statement: The word ‘apocalypse’ is derived from the Greek word ‘apokalypsis’, meaning ‘revelation’ or ‘uncovering of truth’. My artwork is a portrayal of myself amidst an imagined apocalyptic skyscape. Clouds are formed by newspaper articles spanning late 2019 to early 2020, which recount the global issues plaguing today’s society and our possible future: nuclear war, global pandemic and the climate crisis. My artwork projects the anxieties felt by my generation about these issues. I was inspired by Shepard Fairey’s depictions of human rights issues and pop culture, and his use of mixed media techniques and stark tonal contrasts.