Deanne Cheuk, Australian-American
Untitled (Black Lungs), 2023
Deanne Cheuk creates an image of black lungs that are disintegrating at the edges as if they are made of smog. Visually striking and concerning all the same, the charcoal drawing causes viewers to question the fragility of the human body, specifically the lungs. When faced with vicious toxins from our society's never-ending industrial pollutants, our physical bodies can not keep up. This specific piece brings to light the hazards of Appalachia coal mining: a career path burdened with incurable black lung disease. This disease stems from breathing in mineral dust. Eventually, the toxins build up and can lead to respiratory issues and premature deaths. Label by Grace Cohen