The Weight of Perception, Inspired by "Stars", JID

In this piece, I used blue oil pastels to explore the heavy emotional layers of insecurity and self-doubt, emotions that are reflected in JID’s song "Stars." The cool, textured blue shades evoke a sense of emotional distance, mirroring the isolation that often comes with struggling to meet external expectations. The thick layering of pastel speaks to the way these feelings accumulate over time, like a weight that becomes harder to carry. By choosing blue, I wanted to capture that melancholic sense of being stuck, as JID describes in his lyrics: "Heavy way to hold the head and notice... But I don't even feel a thing no more." The use of oil pastel also allows for a softness that contrasts with the sharpness of the emotions, mirroring the conflict between appearance and the inner experience.

The decision to omit the girl's eyebrows was another intentional choice meant to symbolize the disconnect between outward appearance and inner identity. Eyebrows are a significant part of facial expression, and without them, the subject loses a layer of clarity and self-assurance. This absence reflects the uncertainty many of us feel when we are trying to find our own voice, especially in a world that often tells us who we should be. It speaks to the same insecurity JID explores when he raps about navigating fame, success, and expectations. The girl's blank expression, coupled with the large eyes and lips, amplifies the emotional intensity of the piece, suggesting that the struggle for authenticity often feels exaggerated or even distorted.

Her exaggerated features are meant to embody the tension between how society sees us and how we see ourselves. The oversized eyes, full lips, and serious demeanor create a surreal quality, as if she is trying too hard to conform to a certain ideal but can’t fully align with it. This mirrors the central question in JID’s lyrics: “Are you really in it for the arts or the image?” The girl’s expression captures the internal conflict of feeling forced into a mold that doesn’t quite fit, raising the question of how much of ourselves we’re willing to sacrifice for acceptance. The artwork, much like the song, delves into this emotional struggle, offering a vulnerable reflection on the tension between authenticity and external pressures.