Clawson, Amelia. "Brother and Sister." 2018. Orange highlighter on printer paper. Private Collection.
Amelia Clawson's latest work is a poignant look at the futility of happiness and humanity. Her choice of medium, faded highlighter, is symbolic of the fleeting years of the highlight of her life, her childhood. This is further proved by the dotted background, described by the artist as "cookie crumbs." All her favorite things will only be torn to her shreds by her younger brother, pictured on the left. The artist has written their names, Thomas and Amelia, with only the first initial followed by scribbles to show how little humanity cares about children. Coincidentally, the artist only knows how to write three letters. Both children have been shown with only a few fingers and toes, symbolizing their own wish, but inability, to advocate for themselves. The children are shown with partial, enigmatic smiles, making the viewer wonder, just how much they really understand.
