In today's world, relationships are increasingly consumed like any other product, with dating apps and social media fostering an illusion of infinite choice. The ease of swiping through profiles, combined with the commodification of romantic connections, leads to an environment where we are quick to discard relationships at the first sign of imperfection. This mindset stems from the broader consumerist culture, which encourages constant upgrading—whether it’s technology, experiences, or even people. 

The gamification of dating apps encourages superficial interactions. We treat partners as disposable, focusing on instant gratification rather than meaningful connections. This culture of endless choice complicates the process of forming deep, committed relationships, as the constant availability of options can make any single connection seem less valuable.

Many individuals, both men and women, are now rethinking how they approach relationships. The popularization of psychology and self-help has made people more aware of toxic patterns and unhealthy behaviors, leading to a growing number of people opting to stay single or maintain higher standards in their romantic lives. This shift reflects a deeper desire for self-awareness and emotional safety, though it sometimes results in heightened anxiety around the fear of settling or being disappointed.

I started making these big, semi-abstract paintings from that place—monster-like portraits that aren't meant to be scary, but kind of absurd and full of emotion, even though they’re still a bit repulsive. Each painting reflects that clash between what we hope for in a relationship and what we really get. It’s about the illusions we create online and how real people rarely match up to those fantasies. These monsters capture the hidden fears and frustrations, showing how we sometimes treat people like products—just a set of traits to be dissected and analyzed.

Alongside these portraits, I’ve included abstract pieces, using bold colors and energetic forms to express the emotional weight behind these experiences. They’re about desire, disappointment, and that sense of disillusionment we all face when reality doesn’t quite match our expectations.