Chapter 4: Cornucopia

Chapter 4 is inspired by Spanish Colonial Barníz de Pasto—a process using a natural resin indigenous to Colombia which was turned from its original role to mimic Chinese lacquer. Using collage as an interpretation of this practice, I paint, cut, and collage flowers from decorative objects—all researched and studied from colonial Barníz de Pasto—and place them side-by-side with drones and images of masculine figures shooting at animals and plants. I use this juxtaposition of contemporary violence and historically sourced iconography and techniques to explore a contemporary colonization of culture and the brutality inherent in it. The work invites closer scrutiny: I am interested in an aesthetic experience of beauty, however very often my work ends up depicting something horrific. As a viewer, you think you are looking at a large vase with flowers, but upon examination it becomes clear that there is violence is being enacted.