The Dichotomy, 2024

Title

The Dichotomy, 2024

Description

Artist statement:
The artwork created conveys the theme of COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) through some visual elements:

Dark, Ominous Clouds: The sky in the painting is filled with dark clouds composed of written texts. These clouds could symbolize the overwhelming and suffocating feeling experienced by individuals with COPD. The weight of the buildings and the density of the clouds evokes the struggle for breath and the heaviness associated with this chronic illness.

“KEEP SMOKING” Sign: Prominently displayed on one of the buildings is a large sign that reads “KEEP SMOKING.” This message shows the connection between smoking and COPD. Smoking is a significant risk factor for developing COPD, and the sign serves as a warning against continuing this harmful habit.

Struggling Figure: In the foreground, there is a figure outlined in blue and orange. This person is struggling or in distress. Blue could represent oxygen deprivation or difficulty breathing, while orange represents the struggle to decide. The urban environment surrounding the figure emphasizes the impact of pollution and environmental factors on respiratory health.

Minimal Greenery: Despite the presence of trees and greenery, they seem minimal compared to the dominating buildings and dark clouds. This contrast highlights the struggle faced by individuals with COPD to find fresh air and maintain lung health in an urban setting.

Overall, the artwork effectively conveys the challenges, suffocation, and urgency associated with COPD, urging viewers to consider the importance of lung health and the impact of environmental factors.

Medical condition description:
COPD is characterized by persistent airflow limitation (or an inability to expire air), usually associated with a progressive decline in lung function. The disease progression can be influenced by factors like smoking, environmental exposures, and genetic predisposition. The primary cause of COPD is long-term exposure to irritating gasses or particulate matter, most commonly from cigarette smoke. Chronic inflammation leads to structural changes in the airways, including bronchoconstriction, mucus production, and destruction of lung tissue. More known signs and symptoms of COPD include: chronic cough along with sputum production, shortness of breath especially with physical activity, wheezing, chest tightness, fatigue, and unintentional weight loss. The patient can potentially go through six response stages: denial, fear/anxiety,  sadness/depression, anger, acceptance, and seeking support. As the patient works their way through the response stages, they can begin to make changes to their lifestyle to slow and maybe even stop the progression of COPD. 

Subject

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Creator

Reynolds, Nina

Date

2024

Contributor

Chang, Allan; Hamed, Samir; Robertson, Danielle; Chan, Jasmine; Gonzalez, Sheryl

Rights

In Copyright- This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).

https://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en

Format

Collage, acrylic on canvas and mixed media ; 18 x 24 in.