watercolor and ink;
16×20”
“In 2024 there were over 1,200 deaths caused by police. This number has been increasing steadily over the past 10 years.
My piece depicts a pig standing strong in the middle of an urban neighborhood. Watercolors and fine line detail were used. I wanted the neighborhood to appear broken down to represent the feeling of distress and show how police violence is higher in impoverished areas. I used colors very carefully in this piece. The grey and purple of the buildings represents fear and helplessness, the red and blue pig was to show how it expresses dominance and power, while the sky is a color called “future dusk” that is meant to express a hope for a better future. The justice system is flawed and can cause more harm than good. It can feel like a lost cause, but please go out and vote.”
ARTIST BIO: Alias HARMAN is a grade 11 student at Butler Tech School of Art studying art under art teacher Mary Catherine Ruby.