An exploration into why the existence and persistence of war, despite the universal human desire for love and peace.

While competition for resources, ideological differences, power imbalances, economic interests, historical animosities, and human nature are factors that contribute to the existence of war, it is essential to recognize that love, compassion, and the desire for peace are also fundamental human qualities.

The prevalence of war in human history should not negate the importance and power of love. We can hope to build a more peaceful world through the cultivation of love, empathy, and understanding. By addressing the root causes of conflict, promoting dialogue, and fostering a culture of peace, we can work towards a future where love and unity prevail over war and division.

By inviting people to participate in the exhibition by leaving love or war-inspired post-its surrounding the painting, we created a bridge between the concept, the observers, the environment, and the painting. A red carpet and velvet stanchions created a safe space for participants to view, react, and respond. As the notes grew, the responses began to stretch into different themes, that sparked mixed and often visceral reactions, and plenty of conversations.

The initial intention was a performance piece but then we decided to hang and accompany it with a digital frame that could explain the background using an AI agent of the artist. The night before the opening, Surreal Box Cinema owner, and filmmaker/photographer, Lynn suggested that we use Post-it notes and let people participate.

The result is a new dimension to the painting, which led to two days of thoughts, emotions, and an overwhelming amount of interaction.

Make Love Not War” is a 30” x 30” painting inspired by the second bar lyrics of the song, “Art Bless America” by S.C.R.D. The canvas captures an analog to the digital and back recording process. The song was originally written in 2015, recorded in 2016, first published in 2017, re-published in 2020, turned into GAN art in 2021, and then re-imagined by MidJourney as a prompt in 2024. I printed the resulting underlying image and repainted the concepts using spray paint, acrylic, and ink.

As a Holotopian and multimedia artist I’ve pursued painting, photography, sculpture, printmaking, music, design, and business from a young age. Over the past decades, I have been working to combine mediums across formats to create and deliver messages that elicit thought and drive impact and consciousness.

#makelovenotwar was shown for the first time in public at the Brewery Art Walk at SurrealBox Cinema Studio, on Saturday, March 23 through Sunday, March 24, 2024; from 11:00 AM until 6:00 PM. The painting was privately collected.