The New Normal 3

To the right of us: A drawing of a person on a zoom call with their house being destroyed around them as they try to keep it together. A cat has knocked a vase off a bookshelf. A teapot has exploded and a baby appears to have thrown a burning can, setting a pile of various objects on fire.

This piece actually should have a subtitle — ”David, didn’t I tell you to handle everything when I’ve this important meeting?” This is a fiction story, but the situation tells what many people who work or study remotely can face. When incidents happen, we try to look as calm as we can, even if outside of the frame is a disaster. The new normal is school and work have to happen at home, and sometimes things just get out of control.

Jiajia Wu

2021. Drawing in pen. 9 by 12 inches. Image described by Jake Johnson.

A painting of a blue silhouetted figure standing in front of a window.
Drawing of a person on a zoom call with their house being destroyed around them while they try to keep it together.

Hell Beyond the Window

Over to the left: A blue silhouetted figure stands in front of a window; they are pushing aside a green curtain and looking out at bright red-orange light. The walls surrounding the window are tinted orange.

Harper Crane

2020. Acrylic on canvas. 11 by 14 inches. Image described by the artist.