Geisha 1.7

Through this work, and his practice in general, Novak’s challenges us to ‘keep our inner child alive’ and reconnect with a time before ‘The Digital Dilemma’.

Via his signature ‘digital eye detail’ he leaves subtlety firmly at the door.

“This increasingly technological world was supposed to make our lives easier. The allure of more downtime and a decreasing burden in our busy lives was a false promise if ever there was one.”

Rather than making our lives simpler, and slower, the digital (and internet-based) world is speeding everything up. We think we are more connected (more ‘friends’, more likes, empty dopamine hits, which the artist compares to crack cocaine in the 80’s – except this epidemic is more pervasive). In the artist’s own words:

“I believe those of us who can remember first-hand what it was like before the internet have a duty to future generations – it’s increasingly hard for us to switch off and we didn’t even grow up with smart phones. These artworks continue to be my commentary, and warning, about the problems with an ever-increasing technological age”.

-Brad Novak

Medium: Acrylic, spray paint and collage on boxed wooden board.