Living in the American Southwest for the past decade, I’ve been blown away by the gorgeous, unassuming power of the semi-arid desert, especially in Sedona, Arizona where our son spent the first five years of his life. There’s a uniqueness to the way these lands clear the mind and uplift the spirit. The rainbow-colored landscapes seem to encourage exploration, freedom, imagination. I feel this region itself embodies the spirit of the 6079 protocol.
When asked to explore the symbolism of 6079 for this commissioned piece, I wanted to have some fun with it. I felt like a kid, imagining serious adults retreating to these inspirational lands to refresh their souls and exchange ideas. As my work often strikes a balance between unveiling the magic of life on Earth, and exploration into surrealist, hyperbolic allegory, the fist had to be the allegory. The symbol for resistance to oppression, the universal icon for “Power to the People” had to be big.
Hence, “Solidarity Retreat,” 2024.
