Subsume

About

Subsume represents the idea of one entity being absorbed into another, larger one — how the organic and natural elements, like plants and flowers, gradually overtake the artificial and human-made, such as the skull with graffiti. It is a process where the old isn't merely replaced but becomes part of the new growth: nature not just reclaiming but integrating human remnants, a harmonious yet dominant blend of life with the artifacts of mortality. The work captures the juxtaposition of the resilience of nature against the temporary mark of human existence — a meditation on the impermanence of humanity's creations in the face of nature's relentless, reclaiming power. The skull, a universal symbol of mortality, is shown in the process of being enveloped by the vibrant, inexorable force of natural life. The graffiti, often seen as an assertion of presence or rebellion, becomes a testament to the transient nature of human impact. Despite our attempts to leave a permanent mark, nature has a profound, patient strength that overcomes all — suggesting a return to an organic order, older and more enduring than any human construct.

Specs

Medium

Oil on wooden panel

Dimensions

74 × 46 × 2 in

Year

2024