American Mythologies

“American Mythologies” is a mixed-media painting that explores the layered narratives of identity, nostalgia, and spectacle in American culture. By juxtaposing disjointed yet evocative elements—a motorcycle crash beneath a Confederate statue, a racecar driver beside his #34 car, lottery signage, and handwritten notes—the work critiques the fragmented mythology of heroism, masculinity, and fame.

The raw, unfinished wood serves not only as a background but as a metaphor for the unpolished and incomplete truths within cultural memory. The use of vibrant, almost chaotic colors and varied painting techniques reflects the tension between pride and absurdity. Found text like “Yes, I’m still in the pic” and “Missing: blue blanket” adds an element of absurdity and personal drama, blurring the lines between public icons and private messages.

This piece invites viewers to reconsider what is celebrated, what is forgotten, and what persists in the stories we tell ourselves.