WAG New Impressions 3 Calista, "Ruptured Euphoria"
JUROR’S CHOICE — COLE SWANSON
Calista
Ruptured Euphoria, 2023
chalk pastel, marker, coloured pencil and graphite
45.72 x 30.48 cm
The story this picture presents is one of violation and of strength. A ruptured snake right before death after being injured in the garden of Eden, hence the purple snake blood splatter on the skin of the statue. The garden is a place of pristine abundant natural beauty, the statue represents strength and vulnerability, while the snake represents predatory behaviour — trespassing on her polished skin without permission. I made this to represent all the lives of the victims of sexual assault, the trespass against them under the surface of a beautiful camouflage just waiting to be ruptured and exposed.
