“My work aims to explore identity, domesticity, and the pervasive exhaustion inherent in navigating a consumer-driven world fueled by artificial dopamine. Within this framework, I examine the relentless pressure to constantly strive for more and achieve societal ideals, alongside the expectation to conform to narrow standards dictated by a white male-dominated society. As a member of one of the first generations exposed to social media and technology from a young age, I grapple with the realization of my brain's dependency on artificial dopamine, whether through doom-scrolling, purchasing of material goods, or consumption of drugs. Over the years, I've felt compelled to depict my complex relationship with societal norms as a means of understanding and coping with them. Resisting these pressures is draining, yet surrendering feels equally defeating. Our society ingrains in us the belief that happiness lies in consumption, equating it with success in our capitalist framework, rather than valuing the creation of enriching experiences. Through introspection and creative expression, I've come to recognize the subtle yet powerful ways in which our minds are shaped by artificial stimuli and societal expectations. While the struggle against these forces is undeniably exhausting, it is also a necessary act of defiance against a system prioritizing consumption over genuine human fulfillment. As I continue to navigate this complex landscape, I remain committed to questioning and challenging the narratives imposed upon us. By fostering a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us, we can strive for a more authentic and meaningful existence—one that values creativity, connection, and personal growth over the fleeting satisfaction of material consumption. Ultimately, my work serves as a reminder that true happiness lies not in the accumulation of goods, but in the pursuit of purpose, authenticity, and genuine human connection.”