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