Medium: Acrylic on canvas

Size: 20"x 16"

When American dreams become American nightmares, we can succumb to sleep paralysis or undertake steps to combat our torrential communal trance. Compliance defiance measures loneliness as we are pitted against each other in endless competition. I long for a world where value is not measured by the value one brings to fruition under capitalism.

After dealing with relentless red tape in the healthcare industry, I was inspired to make death by any other name. I have ADHD and have been clashing with my health insurance company every month for prescription refills, as they have decided to require prior authorization for this much-needed prescription. My anxiety only gets worse as I try to navigate a world in which neurodivergence is punished and seen as an affliction. Why are decisions about healthcare left to those with no medical training and knowledge?

Emoticon elsewhither focuses on working-class rage as the greed of the ruling class causes the destruction of the planet and society as a whole. People are scared, delusional, and horrified of a predetermined future we have not planned and do not control.