Artist's Statement
E. M. Castonguay
Having grown up just outside of New York City and Pittsburgh, and having completed art degrees in Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., I began to see humanity as an enormous painting filled with people of all colors, ethnicities, religions, sexual orientations, etc. I was fascinated with humanity as a child, passionate about humanity as an adult.
"As an artist I have explored the individuality of the person while searching for the commonality of our collective innermost selves. I believe that the celebration of the diversity of humanity will be the only key to unlock the door to peace in a world currently plagued by prejudice, hatred, and war. We are at a crossroads in history and at the threshold of science where we will soon have the technological expertise to extend life beyond our greatest imagination, but we already have the ability to destroy human life as we know it. It is my obligation as an artist to speak about our diversity which can be the vehicle either to divide or empower humanity." My paintings incorporate a visual language that can speak universally. It is my hope that through my work I will be able to address prejudice while breaking down barriers. I believe that we must begin to see our differences as stimulating while seeing our innate similarities as the gene that ties us to one another and to the Creator of all humanity."