Acrylic on canvas, 20x30in, 2023
A young man resting on a subway seat—an image I encountered when I first moved to New York City. As someone also experiencing the city's challenges, I felt a deep connection to this individual. The stark contrast between the bright advertisements and their surroundings was striking. Across the globe, young people flock to major cities and countries in search of better opportunities and to pursue their dreams. The glossy advertisements depict an "ideal" lifestyle, but often serve to exacerbate the gap between aspiration and reality, leaving many bewildered by the harsh truths of urban life.
