Byron Ashley
“In my work I explore how politics, media and popular culture influence the behavior of American people. The two party system has the power to unite a profound number of people, while at the same time creating a sharp divide in our society. Identity politics breeds hostility, leaving us to spar and battle with each other. I believe America has a unique culture, one that is shaped by its colonial past and greatly influenced by our cut-throat capitalist system. Politics have always been a source of inspiration, I try to channel these opinions into expressions of art I see art as a powerful vessel through which I can process contemporary issues facing Americans. Through printmaking processes and drawings I make biting criticisms and irreverent commentary about the current state of affairs. I use antagonizing and feverish colors to evoke an emotional response. I will juxtapose surrealist imagery with political and social commentary in order to make an abstracted statement. America is caught in a continual paradox of low and high moral grounding. While being a shining beacon of hope and a leader in the international community, America has committed countless atrocities at home and abroad. American society is narcissistic, selfish, …
“In my work I explore how politics, media and popular culture influence the behavior of American people. The two party system has the power to unite a profound number of people, while at the same time creating a sharp divide in our society. Identity politics breeds hostility, leaving us to spar and battle with each other. I believe America has a unique culture, one that is shaped by its colonial past and greatly influenced by our cut-throat capitalist system. Politics have always been a source of inspiration, I try to channel these opinions into expressions of art I see art as a powerful vessel through which I can process contemporary issues facing Americans. Through printmaking processes and drawings I make biting criticisms and irreverent commentary about the current state of affairs. I use antagonizing and feverish colors to evoke an emotional response. I will juxtapose surrealist imagery with political and social commentary in order to make an abstracted statement. America is caught in a continual paradox of low and high moral grounding. While being a shining beacon of hope and a leader in the international community, America has committed countless atrocities at home and abroad. American society is narcissistic, selfish, lazy and obsessed with one's own image. We value charisma and emotional appeal over morality and intelligence. My work aims to make scathing comments in order to reveal issues that are often glanced over.”
Courtesy of the Artist by way of Cerbera Gallery
