Title: Don’t Follow Me!
Medium: Mixed Media on Paper
Dimensions: 17 x 18 ½ inches
Series: Heads Series

In "Don’t Follow Me!," the artist delivers a visceral and textured portrayal of defiance and self-determination. The dynamic paint strokes give the head a rich, textural quality, with dark yellows and shades of blues blending seamlessly together, creating depth and emotional intensity. The pop of maroon on the lips serves as a striking contrast, adding a bold focal point that draws the eye. The rawness of the piece, combined with the layered paint, speaks to the turbulence of the inner journey and the refusal to follow predetermined paths.

The poem that accompanies the artwork captures the sentiment perfectly:

You can follow them to the end of the street,
It's a dead end.
Don't turn back to find me.
I am on my way.
The road I travel... is not for you.
Find your own way.

This powerful poem speaks to the theme of independence and the resolute decision to walk a solitary path. It complements the figure's commanding presence in the painting, urging the viewer to reflect on the importance of forging one's own path, free from the expectations of others. As part of the Heads Series, "Don’t Follow Me!" encapsulates the tension between connection and the necessity of personal growth, inviting viewers to embrace their own journey.