Detail View: Graduate Thesis Collection: Addicted Anonymous: Articles of Addiction

Title: 
Addicted Anonymous: Articles of Addiction
Creator: 
Bongang, Kevin K.
Subject: 
Thesis (M.F.A.) -- Illustration
Subject: 
Savannah College of Art and Design -- Department of Illustration
Rights: 
Copyright is retained by the authors or artists of items in this collection, or their descendants, as stipulated by United States copyright law.
Abstract: 
Addiction has no face, nor race, but its prominence in American society is undeniable. Substances such as alcohol, drugs, and cigarettes and behaviors like overeating, sex, and gambling are a colossal problem affecting more than 40% of individuals in the Western world (Lewis, 2012). When excess replaces moderation, these afflictions are the result. My interest in addiction and the forms it has assumed in America stem largely from my broader interest in human behavior. Human behavior, and people in general, have been an interest of mine for many years and I believe these interests strongly influenced my decision to become an artist.
Abstract: 
Through the years, I have been fortunate in meeting people from many walks of life. Most of them are still alive, but many of those who are not met their demise because of tragic lifestyle decisions. I am certainly not a saint and have also done battle with dependency. I have had trying times and believe that they, in part, have shaped my character. I believe that change can only come from within and true change does not happen overnight. These subjects of addiction, dependency, and change have inspired a new body of work. The diversity in style among the works reflects the wide variety of forms which addiction can take in today’s society. The stories and characters portrayed are loosely based on those of personal friends. They were also influenced by a variety of stories I encountered while reading articles on the subject of addiction. Through the use of stark imagery and text, I will establish a connection with the viewer. My goal is to share a story, a revelation, and maybe the life of a person the viewer knows or once knew.
Publisher: 
Atlanta, Ga. : Savannah College of Art and Design
Date: 
2013-05
Format: 
PDF : 25 p. : ill