“Bubblegum Princess” serves as the inaugural piece in my series “Fools Parade,” drawing inspiration from Simon & Garfunkel’s poignant lyrics, “and the people bowed and prayed to the neon God they made.” This line resonates deeply with our contemporary reality, where cell phones have become our modern idols—essential extensions of ourselves that dictate our daily lives.

In creating this painting, I aimed to explore the paradox of technology as both a tool for connection and a source of disconnection. The pink flamingo, adorned with dragon wings and a crown, represents our fascination with the superficial and the frivolous, while also embodying the artificial grandeur of our digital existence.  The link flamingo is a reference to the biblical golden calf—a symbol of misplaced reverence. The record player like image in the bottom left corner serves as a nostalgic reminder of simpler times, evoking imagery of how we once danced to the rhythms of life, unencumbered by the distractions of modernity, likewise spinning us to the point our lives make us dizzy!

Through the playful yet critical lens of “Bubblegum Princess,” I invite viewers to reflect on their relationship with technology and the extent to which our “neon gods” shape our identities and experiences. This piece challenges us to confront the absurdity of our devotion to our devices and encourages a deeper awareness of the realities we inhabit in an increasingly digital world. Ultimately, I hope to inspire dialogue about finding balance and reclaiming our humanity in a society that often feels like a parade of fools.