all images courtesy of JM art management</em>
Thrashbird embarked on a painting expedition trip to Lime, Oregon, searching for an opportunity to let his ‘imagination run free.‘ amidst the grounds of an abandoned concrete plant, Thrashbird found ‘a maze of giant broken concrete monoliths’ which became the site for his project: ‘Thrashbird’s valley of secret values.’
Where the majority of individuals would see decay, pollution or waste, thrashbird saw a ‘beauty in the breakdown.‘ He began to envision the potential of the shapes of the monoliths as giant concrete designer handbags. ‘Thrashbird’s valley of secret values’ provides a ‘cautionary tale,‘ for society:
As it reflects how we are constantly ‘consuming possessions to showcase success‘ to ‘fill us with purpose, with complete disregard for the people and the planet affected by our careless over consumption.‘ additionally, we use consumption as a measure of success, which has allowed us to transition to ‘a place in society where things and social status have become more important than our connection to each other.‘
Thrashbird’s identity remains incognito, but he often uses a clone to depict our society’s obsession with the digital world. His clone is usually drawn ‘on the ground rather than on the side of buildings,‘ to catch the eye of those who text and walk at the same time.
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