March of the Modern Totems

March of the Modern Totems” is inspired by the social-media-driven lifestyle of the new generation, where identity is often shaped by trends, appearance, and material success. In this painting, symbolic figures march forward like modern totems, reflecting how society follows curated images rather than genuine human connection. The artwork explores the tension between authentic identity and the masks we wear—how modern culture promises connection and success yet often hides emptiness beneath the surface.

The figures in this piece walk as a unified group, echoing how many people today move in the same direction without questioning the meaning behind the journey. The bull-headed characters represent power, inherited behavior, and the cultural shift toward symbolic dominance. Each figure embodies different layers of modern personality—ambition, image, cultural memory, and emotional weight—all expressed through bold forms and stylized movement.

Using textured mixed media, strong contrasts, and expressive strokes, the painting reflects the speed and pressure of contemporary life. The visual energy mirrors the constant switching between online personas and real identities, capturing the complexity of how people present themselves in a digital, image-driven world. “March of the Modern Totems”encourages viewers to consider whether modern humans have become symbolic totems themselves—icons shaped by trends, expectations, and the desire to be seen.

This work is part of a broader exploration of identity, cultural evolution, symbolism, and contemporary mythology. It invites viewers to look beyond the surface, question modern values, and reflect on what parts of themselves are authentic and what parts are shaped by external pressure. Through this visual narrative, the painting challenges viewers to examine how deeply modern culture influences the ways we act, move, and define ourselves in society.

Learn more about surrealism here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surrealism
See more artworks in my portfolio: https://fzenart.com/portfolio/