"Topopinea": A deep longing to enter a place you have never been to.
This sentiment reminds me of our human desire to explore space and consider the possibility of finding a new planet to inhabit. Mars has often been discussed as a colonization option, inspiring me to make it the centerpiece of this work.
On the canvas, I’ve gathered all the information about Mars from the NASA website, where they present it as something very appealing and as something that will soon be achievable. Something we really should desire.
In the center, I have projected Atlas, the iconic figure from ancient mythology, burdened not with the Earth, but with the weight of Mars upon his shoulders. This illustrates our impending reality; Atlas must carry Mars as we have depleted Earth’s resources. I believe that history will reoccur on Mars. Since the Earth is irreplaceable, we should not treat it as such. I want the viewer to reflect on this and consider whether the longing is truly beneficial.
