Joshua Ma
Caringbah High School
ONE THOUSAND CITIES
Collection of Work
Pen on paper, digital animation
What is a city? In our globalised, multicultural epoch, it is a question with a thousand different answers which are all equally valid. The intention of my body of work is to represent the many faces of the beauty of these metropolitan spaces and the diversity of the people who inhabit them.
My artmaking practice has been influenced by the study and interpretation of the following artists: Jean Giraud, Katsuhiro Otomo, Aristotle Roufanis, Italo Calvino, Ben Oakley.
Marker's Commentary
The body of work combines stop-frame animation and graphic portraiture to construct a surreal, dystopian vision of urban life. Influenced by the visual language of film noir, graphic novels and science fiction, the work explores the complexities of identity, social relationships and human connection within both contemporary and imagined cities. Through fragmented narratives, shadow-filled cityscapes and an eclectic cast of humanoid characters, the artist creates a world that feels simultaneously familiar and unsettling. The animation forms the core of the work, presenting a series of interconnected moments that unfold across shifting locations and time periods. Themes of isolation, belonging, resilience and survival emerge as characters navigate the city's overwhelming presence. Accompanying graphic portraits expand this imagined universe, introducing individuals whose expressions, gestures and personalities hint at the diverse experiences and hidden lives that exist within urban environments.
A consistent graphic drawing practice unifies both the animation and portrait series. The work is characterised by a restricted black-and-white palette, dramatic contrasts of light and shadow, and loose yet deliberate marker linework. Heavy black forms are juxtaposed with expressive linear marks, creating visual tension while reinforcing the individuality and psychological complexity of each character. Fine and broad marker strokes are used to simplify and abstract form, allowing gesture, silhouette and expression to communicate meaning. This monochromatic approach heightens the dramatic atmosphere of the work while establishing a cohesive visual language across the moving and static imagery. The energetic mark-making gives the figures an animated presence, reflecting the fluidity and unpredictability of urban life. Together, the animation and portraits present the city as a powerful and enduring force that shapes the identities, aspirations and relationships of its inhabitants. Through the integration of graphic abstraction, expressive mark-making and fragmented storytelling, the work reflects the interconnected yet fractured nature of contemporary society, encouraging audiences to consider the tensions between individuality and belonging within increasingly complex urban environments.