Medium: pen and ink on mounted paper
Size: 9" x 11.75"
Year: 1993
Framed: unframed with mat
"Burned By This World" by Markham is a striking pen and ink drawing that plunges viewers into a surreal realm of nightmarish proportions. The piece, reminiscent of the dark fantasy pulp noir illustrated fiction magazines and comics of the 1990s, offers a visceral exploration of the angst and anguish of suburban teenage life.
Center stage is a monstrous amalgamation of creatures, each limb and feature a grotesque fusion of demonic elements. Twisted and contorted, the creature embodies a cacophony of agony and despair. Its expression, a mask of torment, reflects the inner turmoil and anguish portrayed throughout the artwork.
Rendered with bold lines and intricate cross-hatching, Markham's use of pen and ink brings a sense of immediacy and intensity to the piece. Against a solid white background, the creature's grotesque form stands in stark relief, its presence dominating the space with an unsettling allure.
Embedded within the drawing is a poem, a bleak reflection on the future of a generation "burned by this world" before it has even had a chance to begin. This poignant commentary on the struggles and disillusionment faced by many young people in the 1990s adds depth and complexity to the artwork, inviting viewers to confront their own fears and anxieties.
Despite its dark subject matter, "Burned By This World" captivates with its surreal imagery and introspective themes. Whether displayed in a private collection or a public gallery, this piece serves as a powerful reminder of the complexities of the human experience and the enduring allure of dark fantasy storytelling.
