Click Bait
Acrylic on Canvas
30" x 48"
$3,400
Sarah Bing
Artist Statement
In my painting "Click bait," I explore the intricate duality of the internet—a space that presents itself as a realm of beauty and wonder, yet harbors hidden dangers beneath its surface. Initially conceived as a fusion of a dragonfly and caterpillar adorned with a technology-inspired spine, the piece evolved as I painted. The transformation of the dragonfly's wings into birds and fish, consuming from the electronic spine, symbolizes the complex relationship between nature and technology, reflecting how we navigate and consume information in the digital age.
The original orientation of the piece was flipped during a moment of frustration, revealing a wolf head under blacklight. This unexpected emergence serves as a metaphor for the hidden threats that often lurk in the shadows of the internet. While the wolf is not immediately apparent in daylight, it becomes a poignant reminder of the caution we must exercise in a world filled with enticing visuals and promises—where the "big bad wolf" can manifest when we least expect it.
"Click bait" invites viewers to reconsider their own experiences online, prompting reflection on the allure and potential peril of the digital landscape. Through this work, I aim to illustrate the complexity of our relationship with technology and to convey a cautionary message: that while the internet may seem like a realm of rainbows and butterflies, we must remain vigilant against the lurking dangers within.