Inspired by the art of New York-based artist Francis Valela (who is also, I should point out, my
cousin), this piece explores the psychological dynamic of a creator struggling against fads and
criticism–of daring to be “unbecoming” in light of rigid, banal, but popular convention–and creating
something earnestly sincere and unique yet may condemn one to obscurity. The tensions here, as
in life, are generally not resolved but one is left to ponder the nature and merit of aesthetic
compromise.
Brandon Nelson 
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