"Stomp"

“Stomp” is all about movement. It illustrates the pressing hoof that drives deep into the soil. It reflects the conquering desire that wishes to see others tremble beneath one’s feet. It symbolizes the thrashing ambition of a generation that itches to sink its newly-grown tracks into the world. The piece represents the restlessness of the young, adult but unproven, hungry to change the world now that their opportunity has finally come. These are the youth out to prove themselves, to take the rewards they feel entitled to after all their years of restraint. Society bends and groans under each load of self-serving pride, but ultimately recovers when the children eventually mature and begin to care for others.

The character design in this mural piece takes these themes metaphorically. An unnamed, young male of impulsive energy stands tall above a waning globe, ready to strike with a stampeding foot. His dress gives way to his history; he wears a suit, broadcasting his supposed qualification after university to be a full part of society, but also shorts, to say that his childish side hasn’t given away. His posture is one of dominance, arms outstretched in a smug realization that his time has come. Below him is the victim of the stomp, a misshapen globe, showing the strain of society to accommodate this new force.


I chose this type of icon to reflect a realization of mine after some extensive volunteer work and observation in China. I was previously overflowing with a sense of superiority, of arrogance, of entitlement. After all, I was the forefront of a graduating class, a respected officer of multiple organizations, a limitless prospect attending a prestigious university. My goal had been simple-minded, single-tracked: to be rich, recognized for my talents as I finally had my way with the world. It was foolish. I was the obnoxious man stomping in the mural. To experience the struggle of people born to awful conditions, bound by shortages of necessities and opportunities, was a harsh lesson in values and prioritization to my life. I hope to shed the image presented in my mural so that eventually, those others will also have a real chance to be like their icons.