Desensitisation (2023)

Desensitisation (2023) is a digital painting exploring the overwhelming presence of media in our lives. The artwork depicts a lone figure curled on the floor, surrounded by glowing screens broadcasting global violence and unrest. It captures the paradox of being constantly connected yet emotionally numbed by the endless cycle of tragedy.

This piece reflects my interest in the psychological impact of constant news exposure. We are flooded daily with images of violence, disaster, and crisis, until compassion becomes exhaustion. The figure shielding themselves from the light of the screens symbolises both withdrawal and defeat, an attempt to hide from the noise while still being trapped in its glow. The title, Desensitisation, points to the emotional cost of living in an age of perpetual crisis.

Painted digitally in a baroque-inspired chiaroscuro style, the piece uses deep blues and harsh artificial lighting to create an atmosphere of isolation and overstimulation. The figure is painted with warmth and softness, contrasting against the cold, detached media glow. Textures were layered to imitate the feel of traditional oil on canvas, reinforcing the tension between the modern subject matter and classical technique.

This work asks the viewer to consider how repeated exposure to horror alters our empathy. Are we informed, or simply drained? Desensitisation serves as both critique and confession, almost as a recognition of how we consume tragedy as background noise.

Prints and originals of this piece are subject to availability. Please contact me directly for more information.