Fetching Files is a 9 by 12-inch gouache painting on black multimedia paper that explores the complex landscape of digital connectivity and information flow. At the heart of the composition lies a central hub, from which multiple bright white lines radiate outward, linking a series of yellow file cabinets that appear to float against a deep, dark background. These file cabinets represent the storage and organization of data, giving physical form to the otherwise intangible world of digital information.

Scattered throughout the piece are thousands of binary digits—0s and 1s—rendered in vibrant blue-green tones. These numbers weave through the space like streams of data, emphasizing the constant movement and transmission occurring within electronic networks. Small, stick figure-like characters engage with these binary figures and the file cabinets, suggesting the essential role of human interaction in managing and interpreting data systems. The dark backdrop sharpens the contrast with the luminous elements, creating a visual tension that mirrors the dynamic and often invisible activity of modern digital ecosystems.

This work was created specifically for the Altered Realities exhibit at the Denison Arts Council’s 517 Gallery, responding to the broad theme of technology. The exhibition encourages diverse interpretations encompassing everything from vintage gadgets to futuristic tech, offering a wide creative latitude. I chose to interpret this theme abstractly, focusing on the unseen architecture and flow of information that underpins contemporary life.

The creative process for Fetching Files was centered on conceptual abstraction, aiming to represent the intangible networks that govern so much of our daily experience. Using gouache on black paper allowed me to play with sharp contrasts and vibrant details, highlighting how small components coalesce into complex systems. The resulting image invites viewers to consider not only the technology itself but also the human presence and interaction within these digital realms.

Fetching Files stands apart in my body of work by delving into a distinctly technological subject matter through an abstract lens. It captures the intricate choreography of data movement and the interdependence between digital structures and human agents. This artwork makes visible the invisible, encouraging reflection on the pervasive yet often overlooked networks that shape our connected world.