"Unwinding" by Hanna G

 

Artist Statement

This artwork is inspired by Neal Shusterman’s novel Unwind, a story that challenges our understanding of identity, morality, and the value of a single life. It reflects the human cost of a society that prioritizes functionality over individuality, exploring the pain, fear, and resilience of those caught in an unjust system.

In Unwind, teenagers are “unwound,” their body parts repurposed for others in a horrifying solution to societal conflicts. I was struck by the psychological and emotional toll this takes on the characters. This inspired the central theme of fragmentation in my piece: the loss of identity and the dehumanization that comes when individuals are reduced to their utility. The repeated phrase “CHOP CHOP CHOP” reflects the mechanical and brutal nature of the system, while “TRUST” symbolizes the betrayal of the human spirit under the guise of order.

At its core, the artwork represents the struggle to hold onto humanity in the face of destruction. The fractured face at the center symbolizes the characters’ inner turmoil as their bodies and lives are torn apart. The abstract, chaotic background conveys a sense of confusion and fear, mirroring the emotions of those resisting the unwinding process. The looming eye in the upper corner represents surveillance and judgment, a reminder that society watches and enforces compliance. The distorted stop sign hints at moments of rebellion and the fight to halt an oppressive system, even when the odds seem insurmountable.

The piece is created with charcoal on canvas, a medium that allowed me to explore raw emotion through texture and contrast. Charcoal’s smudges and imperfections reflect the vulnerability and brokenness of the characters in Unwind. The monochromatic palette emphasizes stark contrasts between light and dark, representing moral ambiguity and the clash between hope and despair. The uneven strokes were deliberate, evoking a sense of chaos and instability to immerse the viewer in the oppressive world Shusterman describes.

This piece is a reflection on what it means to be human. It questions how we define a person’s worth and the consequences of reducing lives to pieces of a larger system. By juxtaposing the violent imagery of dissection with the word “TRUST,” I aim to highlight the fragility of faith in a society that demands compliance while betraying its people. The artwork conveys both fear and defiance, encouraging viewers to consider the impact of their choices and the systems they participate in.

Ultimately, I want this piece to remind viewers of the importance of empathy and individuality. Just as the characters in Unwind fight to reclaim their sense of self, this artwork urges us to recognize and preserve the humanity in ourselves and others. It is both a warning about the dangers of dehumanization and a call to stand against systems that seek to divide and dismantle us.