CHRIS HERNANDEZ "You've Lost Everything, Things Are Still Ok"
Shelter Series
These recent paintings focus on shelters in various forms and constructions, as well as reference traditional Hollywood post-apocalyptic themes. It is my goal to confront the viewer with scenes that the present culture finds increasingly distressing or objectionable due to the poor living conditions depicted in the works. Context is everything when regarding the paintings, as well as the circumstances involved for any fictional individual one imagines occupying the scene. A choice must also be made regarding the status of these imaginary dwellers. Because none are present in the scenes, one must question their whereabouts and their fate. For most onlookers, an immediate focus is shifted towards the negative regarding the scene and its inhabitants. People are less concerned about basic needs being met and the protection a shelter can provide in moments of extreme adversity, as opposed to a guaranteed comfortable and materialistic lifestyle. And while I am not concerned with any ecological aspects of this trend, these works are done to mock society's growing phobia of death and suffering of any kind, and its obsession with increasing prosperity, long life, materialistic comfort and safety.