Toxic

DAVID ZHAO Bachelor of Health Sciences (Honours) Class of 2023

This illustration was inspired by the article Unsafe levels of toxic chemicals found in drinking water of 33 states in The Harvard Gazette. This article addressed the levels of toxic chemicals, specifically PFAS, found in drinking water in the US and how it impacts the health of people (i.e. reducing immune function).

Green is often the colour associated with toxins or toxic substances so that was why I used it in my piece. The eye of the man submerged in toxic water is in the top right region following the rule of thirds and the bright contrasts of the eye and mouth in comparison to their surroundings grabs the audience’s attention. Some of the highlights are tinted in turquoise to have a more meaningful effect compared to a regular white highlight; in addition, the man is covered with a layer of blue or green at certain regions to illustrate that he is underwater. Furthermore, the subtle gradient of the water is used to indicate the orientation of the man underwater. The use of green to fill his eye and mouth implies that he is poisoned internally as a result of ingesting toxic water.