Shocking Art

• Why did you choose this idea?

I chose this idea because it really shocked me to see this interpretation of this subject from a little 2nd grader and also how well it was done technically. Plus, she’s presenting such a grim topic with a smile… It’s a topic that should be more widely discussed in the world and shouldn’t be ignored even if it isn’t affecting our daily lives. It doesn’t mean it isn’t happening!

• What did you hope to communicate?

I hope to communicate that if an elementary child can reflect a topic in such a detailed way, then there’s no excuse for the grown ups to not step up and discuss it too! There are still people in the world that believe global warming is a myth (even after years of scientific research), resources are endless, and everything is okay when it’s not. We are all slowly destroying the planet and consuming resources faster than we can replenish them. As long as there are children that are knowledgable, like her, there is hope for the future.

• How successful do you think you were?

I think that I was pretty successful in conveying what I wanted to show. Some people might look at the picture and think, “What a beautiful drawing!”, but I hope that when they step back and really see what this little girl is trying to show, with a smile, it will shock the viewer.

• What would you do different if you did it again?

If I were to do this again, I would probably use a better camera! But I do love how raw and real the image is. It’s not planned or posed.

• What is another idea you might explore through “shocking art”?

Through shocking art I would explore obesity in America. A very odd topic, but I don’t think enough people talk about the health problems that arise from obesity and that it shouldn’t be normal for people to eat themselves to death! We only get one life.