Media Maze Toilet Haze

JL’s “Media Maze Toilet Haze” is an interplay of colours that captures the tumultuous times of the COVID-19 lockdowns. He strategically employed a palette rich in symbolism, using cadmium red and ultramarine blue to symbolize the political divide, reflecting the hues associated with the two major US political parties. The addition of chromium oxide green, cadmium yellow hue, and titanium white adds depth and complexity, echoing the chaotic and multifaceted nature of the contemporary media landscape.

In crafting this piece, JL applied a variety of strokes, manipulating the paint to convey the intensity of the subject matter. The swirling, chaotic strokes of the smoke, executed in random circular motions, stand in contrast to the thick and rigid impasto strokes in areas of cadmium yellow deep, providing a tangible representation of the disarray within the depicted scene.

“Media Maze Toilet Haze” takes influences from cubism and futurism. The influence of cubism is evident in the fragmented portrayal of the animated house, while the dynamic movements and sense of urgency draw inspiration from futurism. As an animator, JL infuses the piece with a sense of perpetual motion, enhancing the overall impact and resonance of the artwork.

The figure on the toilet, masked and surrounded by chaos, serves as a metaphor for the confusion and uncertainty prevalent during the pandemic. The division in the media is represented by the red and blue hues, while the unhinging of the animated house mirrors the strain on mental health during prolonged lockdowns.

“Media Maze Toilet Haze” emerged from the artist’s contemplation of the chaos that unfolded in the wake of the COVID-19 lockdowns. Inspired by the unprecedented fluctuations in oil prices and the media’s divisive narrative. The concept revolves around the juxtaposition of a seemingly mundane scene—a man on his toilet—with the surrounding pandemonium, inviting viewers to reflect on the surreal and often absurd nature of the times. The use of movement, both visually and aurally, further underscores the conceptual depth, making the artwork a compelling exploration of contemporary societal upheaval.