Intrusive Squawks
About the art
Title: Intrusive Squawks
Medium: Acrylic on 48x60 inch stretched canvas
Artist: S.E. Wandz
Date: November 5, 2023
Intrusive Squawks is a visceral depiction of the torment of intrusive thoughts and their relentless, consuming nature. The figure, raw and vulnerable, is surrounded by ominous white crows, their sharp beaks and piercing eyes taking on a life of their own. Her eyes, violently pecked away, leave her sightless, while the crows, now seem to hold her truth—a distorted, cruel reflection of self-perception.
The cascading red drips of blood and anguish run down her face and body, blending with the swirling, chaotic patterns of her form. The crow’s eyes, unnervingly intelligent and judgmental, embody the invasive thoughts that squawk incessantly, stripping away her sense of self. The colors and textures—sharply contrasting reds, whites, and soft pastels—reflect the inner battle between vulnerability and the harsh, unyielding voices of doubt.
This painting speaks to the suffocating power of intrusive thoughts, which not only blind her to her own reality but also seem to know her in a way she cannot. The crows, with their insistent and watchful presence, represent the lies she begins to believe, as though they are the ultimate truth while she remains powerless to see clearly.
Intrusive Squawks is a striking and emotional portrayal of the struggle with self-doubt, shame, and the intrusive voices that strip away confidence and clarity. It is a reminder of the exhausting battle within, where perception is warped and self-acceptance feels out of reach.