Hi mom (2023)

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Exclusively on @exchgART

please see 🧵 on underlying meaning

Struggles with imposter syndrome, insecurity that my art my art won’t be accepted as “real” art, fear that an OE intended to impact as many lives as possible will be called a low effort cash grab, pressure to meet expectations set by myself and others…

…fear that loved ones won’t take this career seriously, the perceived need to stay hyper active on social media 24/7 to maintain relevance in a fast paced web 3 space, the feeling of helplessness that your livelihood depends on a broken twitter algorithm…

These are just some of the emotions I’ve experienced in web3 and I know I’m not alone.

We’ve never been more connected on the surface. Yet many feel so disconnected deep down.

This isn’t limited to artists — founders, community members, collectors all face similar stresses.

My art has always explored duality and things that lie beneath the surface of our everyday lives — typically I focus on finding light in darkness.

With “Hi mom” I’m unveiling the darkness hiding in the light — by exploring the sleeping giant of mental health crisis I believe our ecosystem is facing, but has yet to recognize.

I hope this piece and my words open a discussion around mental health in web3 and lets those who are also struggling know they’re not alone.

This seemingly lighthearted piece might be one of my most emotionally charged works yet.

So I want to share it with the world and I ask for your help sharing as well — I hope it helps you as much as it has helped me.

exchange.art/editions/HaZhy4MWHnGHcJamyTzfF3EMDLnKQ6rK4r3GgvqgFcNR

Fittingly twitter wouldn’t post the original gif version of the art in this thread. 🥴