In the perpetual struggle for survival, individuals residing in impoverished communities grapple with seeking solace in a harsh and unforgiving world. Faced with oppressive laws and societal structures, many impoverished Americans turn to Christianity in search of hope and respite. Although Christianity’s original intent was to uplift the downtrodden, its American manifestation has morphed into a parasitic relationship with its practitioners. My firsthand experience with poverty led me to seek refuge in Christianity, only to confront its stark realities within the American context. Here, my family found no sanctuary, leaving us in a worse state than before.
Through my extensive research, I have witnessed how Christianity can vilify the poor, denying their work ethic and attributing their socioeconomic status to a lack of faith rather than acknowledging systemic injustices. Poverty is seen by those in Christianity as a test of one’s faith, and impoverished people are blamed for their circumstances due to alleged moral failings. This series combines traditional painting with mixed media approaches to shed light on the anguish and adversity endured by impoverished worshippers in America, as Christianity permeates their existence like a relentless affliction, ensnaring them in a cycle of despair, overwhelm, and depletion.
