Sleep

This work was inspired by insurmountability. Previously in my practice I have explored optimism in the face of various challenges - crises of confidence as an artist, defining masculinity as a trans person and subsequently existing as a trans person in an increasingly hostile environment. Past works were driven by an urge to keep going, where 'Sleep' questions what would happen if everything stopped?

I wanted the black wall to reflect this and to evocate the feeling of immense weight that I and many others are feeling existing in the world right now, through strong composition and heavy application of paint. The figure at the top of the canvas is in a moment of rest, but is teetering on the edge.