Hunter Folkes
Sydney Grammar School
STRATA
Graphic Design
Digital Painting in Procreate®
In Strata I represent the socioeconomic segregation of the modern world through the lens of a vertical city of the future. I constructed my body of work initially with 3D modelling then by digital painting. The work is broken into three separate vertical layers of stratified society and examines many concepts, such as intergenerational freedom, conformity, multiculturalism, ignorance, family. I worked on this large scale to express the size and scope of my ideas. My intent was to craft a level of detail that encouraged the audience to explore and contemplate the many messages within the work.
My artmaking practice has been influenced by the study and interpretation of the following artists: Caspar David Friedrich, Wanderer Above the Sea of Fog, The Stages of Life; Ian Hubert, Dynamo Dream, Episode 1; JMW Turner, The Slave Ship; Olalekan Jeyifous, Shanty Megastructures series, Anarchonauts of CHAT-SMS 05 ::2125:: series; CD Projekt Red, Cyberpunk 2077 [video game]; Artur Sadlos, Cyberpunk City; Luke Abbott, Cyberpunk Market; Alexander Dudar, Cyberpunk series; Martin Lachmair.
Marker's Commentary
This body of work offers a compelling portrayal of the enduring impact of high-density urban living and the ways in which humanity adapts as cities become increasingly crowded. Through digital illustration, the artist demonstrates a keen understanding of contemporary architecture, drawing inspiration from notable figures such as Zaha Hadid and Frank Gehry, while also evoking the dystopian aesthetic reminiscent of Katsuhiro Otomo's anime masterpiece, Akira. Rather than presenting didactic depictions of city dwellings, the illustrations aim to convey a sense of spatial presence and explore the various ways in which space is inhabited. The first panel of the cityscape presents an exaggerated representation, wherein towering high-rise buildings are densely clustered together, effectively evoking a powerful sense of the built environment. Subsequent panels offer different perspectives that delve into more intimate details, providing elaboration on the lives of the inhabitants within this vertical world, referred to as the Strata.
Through this series of illustrations, a thought-provoking narrative emerges, revealing how buildings are perceived as mere functional machines for living, devoid of personal qualities. Overall, the artwork effectively captures the complex interplay between architecture, urban density, and the human experience, inviting viewers to contemplate the multifaceted nature of living in modern cities and the ways in which individuals navigate and shape their environment