drypoint etching; 10×10″ (image 6×6″)

“I chose article 19 which is freedom of opinion and expression. I learned that many people today are silenced due to having their own opinions, and cancel culture seems to run the world we live in today. Labeling people with these defining terms that aren’t who they truly are. I came about my idea by thinking about how people are labeled and what better way to leave a lasting label on someone than a tattoo. The tattoos are displayed on the face because that is how everyone sees said person. The tape is to explain that these people can’t say anything back: “Silenced”. I was trying to communicate the negatives of cancel culture, people are entitled to their own opinions no matter if others think they are right and wrong. By creating this piece I hope to show others how it feels to be canceled just because of an opinion. “

ARTIST BIO: Ethan Ridders is a student at Oak Hills High School, currently enrolled in Drawing and Printmaking. Ethan’s work focuses on the interpretation of an Article of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.