Whitewashed

The notion of whitewashing has historically underscored the actions of politically powerful groups to cover their actions and uncomfortable truths to create more favorable narratives.

This work began with 5 objects that I stole during my youth. Stealing is not something I am proud to have done, not only because of the social stigma it carries, but because in my case I think it points to a mindset of dissatisfaction, a sense of lacking, and inadequacy.

These images are my attempt to whitewash not only my actions but also the mindset of these behaviors. I wanted the viewer to be able to access this space of unreality that is both obscure memory and fading pixels. The printed images are then painted over with white paint in attempt to hide, or obscure the shame of past actions, where upon reflection I had everything, I could ever want, but was not aware enough to be content with who I was and maybe who I am.

The images were sourced via the internet. I found an interesting parallel between sifting through the ethereal space of memories, and the similar infinity of online spaces. The internet enabled me to find these objects, rebuilding these lost moments with its seeming limitless potential for making the past present. In this way, the internet becomes an extension of memory, of the mind, a space where memories become solidified, still without physicality.