Creatures of Mischief Manor
Location
FA-255
Start Date
1-5-2026 10:10 AM
Department
Art + Design
Abstract
Creatures of Mischief Manor examines how systems of power and hierarchy disguise violence beneath innocence, using childlike imagery and unsettling narratives to reveal the tension between play and cruelty. The history of child labor within the Chicago Stockyards inspired me to include imagery of meat and children who wear masks that represent each as an animal, hiding their true identity which allows them to commit disturbing and vile acts. The inclusion of toys reminds the viewer of the age of these characters while connecting them to the work, as some toys may look familiar to the toys they had in their childhood. The narratives I build investigate childhood wonder and cognitive dissonance which asks the audience to question, “Is the world she created truly menacing or just a fantasy?”. Through the use of graphite, ink, and Conté crayon I am able to create highly detailed drawings that intend to make the audience laugh while bringing them a form of shock value. The use of cross hatching techniques mimics Victorian illustration and old children’s books, representing nostalgia that can be joyful yet horrifying. I consistently create new stories with strange characters that are doing strange things and by using the composition of Victorian portraiture, I am able to relay to my audience that artwork can be fun to look at while at the same time create feelings of fear and discomfort.
Faculty Sponsor
Nate Mathews
Creatures of Mischief Manor
FA-255
Creatures of Mischief Manor examines how systems of power and hierarchy disguise violence beneath innocence, using childlike imagery and unsettling narratives to reveal the tension between play and cruelty. The history of child labor within the Chicago Stockyards inspired me to include imagery of meat and children who wear masks that represent each as an animal, hiding their true identity which allows them to commit disturbing and vile acts. The inclusion of toys reminds the viewer of the age of these characters while connecting them to the work, as some toys may look familiar to the toys they had in their childhood. The narratives I build investigate childhood wonder and cognitive dissonance which asks the audience to question, “Is the world she created truly menacing or just a fantasy?”. Through the use of graphite, ink, and Conté crayon I am able to create highly detailed drawings that intend to make the audience laugh while bringing them a form of shock value. The use of cross hatching techniques mimics Victorian illustration and old children’s books, representing nostalgia that can be joyful yet horrifying. I consistently create new stories with strange characters that are doing strange things and by using the composition of Victorian portraiture, I am able to relay to my audience that artwork can be fun to look at while at the same time create feelings of fear and discomfort.