Little Black Halo

2013

graphite, India ink, illustration pen, and charcoal pastel on mixed media paper sewn to fiber paper

8x8 1/8in.

Predecessor to The Nitty Gritty. I was considering modern society’s social hierarchies against its ideas of individuality and anonymity. Our “heroes” are no longer just heroes. Think about all the role models and personalities charged with sexual assault, racism, money laundering, and other forms of misconduct. The idols of previous decades are now facing their downfall, particular present-day paragons are already corrupt to being with, and antiheroes are exponentially popular. The figure in the piece is pieced together, juxtaposed into something only slightly recognizable now. The title references our icons’ halos shrinking, losing their shine. The quote from Warped Would fits here just as snug as those who aren’t well adjusted to this world might actually still be sane. Furthermore, being “good” may not be beneficial if we’re being led by example.