Student Presenter(s): Amiel Calleja
Faculty Mentor: Carrie Rubinstein
Department: Digital Art and Design
School/College: School of Architecture and Design, New York City

After reflecting upon a difficult semester, I took the liberty to create this collage to express the emotions of its time. It’s easy to acknowledge the faults we have, then ignore them, joke about them with friends, and even plan to amend them at a later date. The allure of current pleasures and impulses distracts from the real concerns that need to be addressed. This piece features that in the midst of escapism, there is the sudden realization that in actuality, you're sinking. In this 18 x 48 multimedia work, I used the imagery of alcohol to represent the pleasures of the present. A deliberate choice of alcohol is largely associated with indulgence and temporarily forgetting problems. In the middle of the artwork, there is a large ink drawing of a jug spilling down the piece and it is being held by an unclear humanoid form at the top. This represents the impulsive side of every person, encouraging indulgence. At the opposite end of the jug, there is a realistic portrait of being overcome by the waterfall. It is a self-portrait holding a wine glass up to the waterfall with a fed-up look. To express how deep down I knew I was not making good choices, however, I chose to ignore the circumstances. Creating this artwork was a cathartic experience for me. While it was a deeply sore introspection, I respect that it led me to a clearer mind. I hope to express to others that escapism can only distract you for so long before the consequences of it start to bruise you.