War Never Changes
In this project I explored how young audiences, especially on social media, have become increasingly politically active. How the fight of oppression always boils down to the same thing. Regardless of the generation who is politically active, it is always a fight of those with money versus those without. It is a class divide.
This is shown in the dollar bill aesthetic and overlays, and bullets echoing the tone of how each fight is the same issues played out again, and again. A person of this generation me, is set in the environment of an old wester, showing the contrast of the old and new. The motion and aesthetics were inspired by things like Spiderman into the Spiderverse, and Comic book onomatope, to create a punchy provocative scene.
https://texturelabs.org/wp-content/uploads/Texturelabs_InkPaint_287thumbnail.jpg
This is shown in the dollar bill aesthetic and overlays, and bullets echoing the tone of how each fight is the same issues played out again, and again. A person of this generation me, is set in the environment of an old wester, showing the contrast of the old and new. The motion and aesthetics were inspired by things like Spiderman into the Spiderverse, and Comic book onomatope, to create a punchy provocative scene.
https://texturelabs.org/wp-content/uploads/Texturelabs_InkPaint_287thumbnail.jpg
https://www.freepik.com/premium-photo/bullet-hole-glass-isolated-black-background_18855298.htm
George Stern’s “War Never Changes” is a powerful example of a transformative portrait that uses motion and symbolism to convey its message. The positioning of the figure creates a strong sense of movement, even with a static background. The western setting, desert tones, and bold gunfire sequence add drama and visual rhythm. The “motion waves” around the figure effectively heighten this energy and guide the viewer’s attention. Overall, the composition successfully blends concept and style to highlight the recurring cycle of conflict and class struggle across generations.
ReplyDelete“War Never Changes” is a cinimagraph that blends the imagery of the Old West with a modern political tone. The figure stands confidently in a cowboy hat and jacket, placed in a rugged desert landscape framed by the faint outline of a dollar bill. The tones are muted, grayscale, and slightly vintage, giving it a sense of timelessness. There’s also motion throughout the piece, the faint flicker of overlaying textures and light, creating the feeling that this moment is looping endlessly. It’s almost like watching history repeat itself, over and over again. The entire composition feels both cinematic and reflective, like a still from an old film reimagined for the digital age.
ReplyDeleteThis piece speaks about struggle and identity in a world where power and wealth still divide people. By placing themselves in the role of a cowboy, the artist ties the present generation’s fight for justice to that of the past. The cowboy, a symbol of rebellion and independence, becomes a stand-in for the modern activist, someone constantly facing the same battles in new forms. Emotionally, the work feels both brave and tired, like someone who has seen this all before but is still willing to fight. It seems aspirational, too, the artist positioning themselves as part of this long legacy of resistance, suggesting that even though “war never changes,” people still keep trying to make it better.
Technically, the work feels cohesive and intentional. The overlays of the dollar bill tie directly into the message of class struggle, emphasizing how money always seems to be at the center of conflict. The use of motion strengthens this theme, it’s repetitive, cyclical, and almost hypnotic, mirroring how the same social issues return generation after generation. The black-and-white palette connects the viewer to the past, while the modern collage and animation techniques keep it grounded in the present. Together, these choices make the portrait feel both personal and symbolic, like the artist is stepping into a role larger than themselves.
Culturally, “War Never Changes” feels very relevant right now. It captures how younger generations engage with politics and identity through the lens of social media and visual storytelling. The use of digital collage and looping motion reflects the internet culture where activism spreads fast, loud, and visual. The cowboy motif connects to a distinctly American myth, but it’s used here with a sense of irony and reflection rather than celebration. It’s a reimagining of power, showing that the same archetypes of strength and rebellion can still be meaningful, just in new ways. The piece acknowledges how every generation faces its own “war,” even if the weapons look different.
Overall, “War Never Changes” is a powerful mix of message and craft. It combines history, identity, and social commentary into one seamless composition. The artist succeeds in making something that feels both nostalgic and contemporary, deeply personal yet widely relatable. Compared to other works that may focus more on identity or emotion, this one feels like a statement—a declaration of understanding that the fight for equality is never over. Its simplicity and looping motion give it a haunting rhythm, one that makes the viewer stop and think about how the past continues to echo through the present. It’s a portrait not just of a person, but of an era, and a reminder that some stories keep being told because they’re still not finished.