This piece is entitled "Vegas Baby" and it presents an exploration of the aesthetic of old Vegas, specifically highlighting the iconic domed dining area of Oscar's Steakhouse located in The Plaza Hotel and Casino. It further draws attention to the well-known adage "what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas," taking it to a heightened level by alluding to the subject of adultery.
The artwork is centered around the poignant moment of a heartbreak, as a wife discovers her husband dining with another woman. To effectively convey the split-second emotional impact of this scene, I opted for a pop art style. The use of negative space within the artwork facilitates the creation of an organic grid that is reminiscent of those found in comic books.
Writer Hunter S. Thompson, famously described Las Vegas as a place "where the neon lights burn so bright they could turn day into night, and where every waking hour is filled with the promise of sex, violence, and cheap thrills."
Utilizing stylistic choices and thematic elements, "Vegas Baby" engages with broader cultural tropes surrounding Las Vegas and its reputation as a city of indulgence and secrecy. By referencing the iconic architecture of old Vegas and exploring taboo subjects such as infidelity, my hope was to present a nuanced commentary on the city's enduring allure and the consequences that may accompany its pleasures.