Turtles Back
Location
FA-152
Start Date
2-5-2025 12:20 PM
Department
Art + Design
Abstract
Through the visual representation of a Mayan myth about the turtle's back, I explore environmental issues and the importance of sea animals in a global sense. My work represents the importance that sea animals exist and will continue to be an integral part of the world. The central piece is the turtle with an image of the earth on its back, which is about the belief that the Earth was formed on the back of the shell. The meaning of the turtle's back is to remember the significance of the natural world around us and the way it interconnects all things that are part of keeping us alive. All endangered sea animals found in the waters of Mexico connect to my own cultural background. This work has a Kemp's Ridley sea turtle that is part of the endangered list of turtles and is the most highly endangered. Surrounding the turtles includes a variety of corals and sea animals that can be found in the waters of Mexico and these showcase the beauty of the biodiversity found in Mexico; they have a huge impact in the world as a whole. This piece is made entirely of paper collage that creates a sense of relief. It is an art installation full of vibrant colors and is supposed to evoke the beauty and appreciation of animals that live in the waters of Mexico. I worked entirely in acrylic paint, found materials, colored pencils, and cardboard. Almost all materials are found to help promote the issue at hand and all pieces will be taped up entirely on colored paper. The texture on certain corals is created by sponges and a variety of techniques to enhance the feeling of water. Layers of paper help create a sense of depth and space and creates an immersive piece that pulls the audience in to take in the vast expansive place that is the ocean.
Faculty Sponsor
Nate Mathews
Turtles Back
FA-152
Through the visual representation of a Mayan myth about the turtle's back, I explore environmental issues and the importance of sea animals in a global sense. My work represents the importance that sea animals exist and will continue to be an integral part of the world. The central piece is the turtle with an image of the earth on its back, which is about the belief that the Earth was formed on the back of the shell. The meaning of the turtle's back is to remember the significance of the natural world around us and the way it interconnects all things that are part of keeping us alive. All endangered sea animals found in the waters of Mexico connect to my own cultural background. This work has a Kemp's Ridley sea turtle that is part of the endangered list of turtles and is the most highly endangered. Surrounding the turtles includes a variety of corals and sea animals that can be found in the waters of Mexico and these showcase the beauty of the biodiversity found in Mexico; they have a huge impact in the world as a whole. This piece is made entirely of paper collage that creates a sense of relief. It is an art installation full of vibrant colors and is supposed to evoke the beauty and appreciation of animals that live in the waters of Mexico. I worked entirely in acrylic paint, found materials, colored pencils, and cardboard. Almost all materials are found to help promote the issue at hand and all pieces will be taped up entirely on colored paper. The texture on certain corals is created by sponges and a variety of techniques to enhance the feeling of water. Layers of paper help create a sense of depth and space and creates an immersive piece that pulls the audience in to take in the vast expansive place that is the ocean.