Sloan Mitchell - Creating Original Artwork: Bedroom Diorama (5 Points)

 

Four Walls - Original Artwork by Sloan Mitchell

    I completed my diorama, Four Walls, recently, and it has become one of my favorite projects.  Every detail was an essential piece in representing who I am as a person—slightly cluttered and imperfect.  I incorporated elements from different forms of media, such as a poster of Lauryn Hill from her MTV Unplugged Live show, which is one of my favorite performances by her.  On the outside of the box is a collage of words and phrases that resonate with me. 

    When creating the piece, I used 2000s Rolling Stones magazines to construct small knick-knacks around the room, such as CDs, records, posters, and a Blu-ray player, as well as outside the window.  These cutouts were crucial in creating the cozy, homey atmosphere I aimed to achieve.  I wanted the space to feel lived in, somewhere you want to isolate yourself and stay for the entire day.  I intentionally avoided plain walls, minimal décor, or neutral shades of white.  Instead, I aimed to create an oasis that represents not only a fictional environment, but also who I am as a person.  The posters feature music artists who hold deep meaning for me, including Frank Ocean, SZA, and Lauryn Hill.  I also found a cutout of Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride, which inspired my self-portrait. 

    I was drawn to the idea of a room feeling isolated, with four walls containing everything necessary to confine a person.  The bedroom becomes a symbol of isolation because it exists in a space that feels both safe and restrictive simultaneously.  This duality is why the bedroom appears so frequently in my artwork—it represents both a personal refuge and a boundary.  Through this piece, I want to explore how isolation can function and reflect on my experiences with solitude, healing, and self-protection.  The room ultimately becomes more than a setting; it becomes a portrait of my inner world.