(2nd iteration)

(1st iteration – Best)

(3rd iteration)

In the near future, I see more and more emphasis on studying STEM subjects rather than art subjects specifically because there is a general consensus that careers in the STEM field produce higher pay. This is especially true today as art programs are slowly but surely getting defunded in educational institutions and the thought of pursuing any kind of performance art as a major is laughed at by many. This is cause for concern as more and more children learn to sacrifice what they love doing to pursue subjects they may not feel as strongly in just so that they can have financial security in a cutthroat economy.

Consequently, I have illustrated these concerns in the following pieces, specifically in iteration 1 and 2. In iteration 1, I attempted to portray a child with fading interests in art due to the temptation of financial security. However, along with his fading interests goes his inner happiness and liveliness. This is what I am afraid the future holds for those who love to act, dance, sing, and paint but to an empty theatre or gallery. The same message is portrayed in iteration 2 which shows a side by side comparison of a girl and her future self. The younger, brighter subject on the right looks up to her older, less bright self and although there isn’t any visible expression on either face, there is a sharp contrast between the gloomy left side and the brighter right side. Again, money is involved as the older subject holds onto a wallet signifying financial security but at the cost of her being handcuffed to a job/study she has relatively less passion in.

Iteration 3 is an attempt to find a middle ground between art and science. In the future, I hope for the economy to be stable enough so that those who wish to do art can do so without worrying about the financial detriments and those who wish to do STEM work can continue to do so without any reluctant cohorts in the mix.