Layla Salerno

Layla Salerno
Crowded but isolated 2022
oil on canvas
Sacred Heart College, VCE Studio Arts

Artist statement:  

Crowded but isolated is about the idea of technology. Is it taking us over? Is the wonder we once found new and exciting taking us over? Do people know what a book is? Are the people who read odd and different? The idea came to mind when I was on a tram in Melbourne seeing everyone listening to music, talking quietly on the phone, watching a movie on computer, iPad, or phone. I was reading my hardcover book and a guy was dancing to his music. I could feel his happiness, but we were different, odd and out of place from the people with their nose lit up by the screen. I hope the viewers can question what technology is …