ART AND GLOBALIZATION

Art as a Representation of Globalization

Nickolas M Martinez
Portland State University

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2
Introduction

In-Between, by Darren Waterston illustrates a visual representation of how HIV

has such a dramatic impact on health from a global perspective. The subtle light-grey
contrasts are littered with imagery that reflects the affects of the repercussions a person
with HIV has to live with as their body and life slowly deteriorate. Amongst these
sorrows being portrayed through the artistry executed by the creator, we are introduced to
the feelings of isolation and seclusion that the protagonist faces as they are enveloped in a
cave-like surrounding. He not only exemplifies his sympathy and compassion toward
these individuals, but he also commemorates this piece as a tribute to a close friend of his
who lost the battle against HIV.
Author
Darren Waterston is an American artist primarily known for his extremely delicate
and light textured paintings that focus greatly on emotional symbolism. He received his
Bachelors in Fine Arts from the Otis Art Institute in Los Angeles where he discovered the
raw talent that he could express through his work with oil paintings on canvas (Darren
Waterston).
In-Between
In-Between is a complex piece created with oil paint that has been applied to a
canvas surface. This symbolic artistic expression captures the ideas of Waterston as he
was completing a cross-country tour of Japan. Along his great journey, one of his close
friends was diagnosed as being in a severe stage of HIV (In-Between). During this time,
he illustrated the struggles that his dear friend had to cope with as one of the many
individuals part of this global pandemic.

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This profound art piece exemplifies many different aspects of the struggles that
one has to confront as they fight the long, seemingly endless, journey that is brought
about by this disease. Waterston stated that the main theme of this piece was to convey to
the viewer the feelings of grief that are present in the life of an individual with HIV (InBetween). This painting captures the social, mental, and physical strife that his close
friend was stricken with for the final years of his short life. This piece is special in that it
can be translated in so many different ways through its symbolic imagery and intricate
detail.
The complex design resembles an abstract visualization as to how specific parts of
everyday life that we often take for granted are affected by people with HIV. One might
identify some of the imagery as being representative of human blood and guts, which
would resemble the physical implications of HIV. Around the periphery of the piece, one
might see the dark shading as symbolizing an individual looking out of a cave, which
may resemble the isolation and seclusion brought on by this disease. Finally, one might
see the string-like lines and what may appear to be dendritic appendages of a neuron, as a
symbol of the barriers of communication and feeling that one would feel if they were
placed in this position.
Globalization
Globalization can be defined as the extension of political, social, and economic
relations between people groups and networks that are created by these influences.
Although the definition of globalization has not and perhaps never will be solidified, due
to todays advancements in communication and technology, one could examine the
effects of globalization and see the integration brought on by the exchange of

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worldviews, culture, and religion. One of the more prominent definitions of globalization
by the International Monetary Fund defines it as the, trade and transactions, capital and
investment movements, migration and movement of people, and the dissemination of
knowledge (Globalization: Threat or Opportunity?).
Globalization and In-Between
In-Between portrays globalization through its ability to distinguish the spread of
illness and disease through symbolism and abstract imagery. When one is familiarized
with the background behind the art piece, it becomes evident how HIV can have such a
global impact. The art piece is exemplary of globalization in that it provides insight as to
how health is a global issue, especially if it is in regards to a pandemic, where it requires
participation and prevention from a worldwide level.
According to the International Food Policy Institute, national poverty rates do not
show a strong association with HIV prevalence, but income inequality does (Gillespie S.).
Cases like this are present all around the world, and this has had a dramatic impact on
why HIV has become a prominent issue worldwide concerning globalization. Although a
vaccination has not been developed as of yet, we have managed to come together as a
unified group in support of funding a cure to help those who are in need. Without the
research and prevention being executed through globalization, one might wonder how
devastated we would be by the detriments brought on by HIV.
Conclusion
In conclusion, through Darren Waterstons work, one is able to experience a visual
representation of how HIV has such a dramatic impact on globalization and health. He
illustrates grief through symbolic imagery, intricate precision, and complex detail that

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translates the social mental, and physical strife that one must confront as they fight this
global pandemic. By analyzing his work, one might catch a glimpse of clarity through the
manifestation of disfigured symbolism present in this profound piece of art.

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References
Darren Waterston. (n.d.). Retrieved March 9, 2015, from
http://www.dcmooregallery.com/artists/darren-waterston
Gillepsie, S., Kadiyala, S., & Greener, R. (n.d.). Is Poverty or Wealth Driving HIV
Transmission. Retrieved March 9, 2015, from
http://programs.ifpri.org/renewal/pdf/RFbrief04.pdf
Globalization: Threat or Opportunity? (n.d.). Retrieved March 9, 2015, from
http://www.imf.org/external/np/exr/ib/2000/041200to.htm#II
In-Between. (n.d.). Retrieved March 9, 2015, from
http://www.portlandartmuseum.us/mwebcgi/mweb.exe?
request=record;id=32642;type=101

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ART AND GLOBALIZATION