Burning Paradise

Inspired by the devastating fires that ravaged Los Angeles, Burning Paradise captures the fragility of beauty and the relentless force of destruction. Through this piece, I sought to depict a doorway not just as an entrance but as a portal to transformation—one where paradise meets chaos.

The composition focuses on a fiery threshold, where vibrant hues of crimson, amber, and charcoal intertwine in a dance of creation and annihilation. This doorway symbolizes the fleeting moments between preservation and loss, a poignant reminder of nature's vulnerability. It invites the viewer to confront the duality of life: the beauty we strive to protect and the forces that challenge it.

Each brushstroke reflects the resilience and fragility of the human spirit, as well as the intricate balance between hope and despair. The piece asks: what do we choose to preserve, and at what cost?

In the context of the competition's theme, Burning Paradise is an exploration of entrances—both literal and metaphorical. It serves as a passage to reflection, urging viewers to consider what lies beyond destruction and the possibilities of renewal.