Stilllife & Afterlife
Year: 2019
Medium: Inkjet print on matte paper
Dimension: 24”X48”
Still Life and After Life is a still-life rendering that serves as an abstract visualization for a series of conceptual drawings and narratives exploring climate change’s impact on civilization. It depicts New York’s JFK Airport submerged underwater over the next century due to global warming. The artwork condenses a century-long narratives into urban components arranged meticulously on a 4-feet dining table—symbolizing society’s passive consumption and distant contemplation of impending ecological collapse— styled as a still-life painting viewed from an omniscent perspective. Its goal is to raise awareness of climate change through a haunting yet contemplative lens.
Still Life & After Life: JFK’s Abandonment, 2029
Apr. 4th, 2029
JFK Airport is hit by the worst flooding in 50 years. Viral videos show water surging into the Terminal 5, forcing all flights to be canceled or diverted. Authorities issue a red alert, urging residents “Do not travel unless absolutely necessary.” The flooded terminal and runways spark public alarm, but few realize this disaster is only the beginning. Climate scientists warn that rising sea levels could submerge JFK airport entirely within 70 years, prompting New York City to draft emergency relocation plan.
Still Life & After Life: JFK Logistics Center Proposal, 2069
Apr. 4th, 2069
Forty years after JFK’s abandonment, New York authority launches an international competition to repurpose the sunken structure. The winning proposal, Vertical Logistics, envisions an automated logistics hub powered by robots for loading and sorting, paired with drone fleets for distribution. A major logistics firm acquired the site, transforming it into a model for low-altitude airspace economies. By 2079, the facility becomes a pioneering example for post-catastrophe innovation.
Still Life & After Life: Marine Nomadic City, 2119
Apr. 4th 2119
Coastal cities like New York and San Francisco are largely abandoned as sea level renders them uninhabitable. Millions migrate inland to the Great Basin and Colorado plateau, while a resilient few adapt to floating settlements on boats. In manhattan, survivors rebuild atop the remnants of the original grid, creating a “Marine Nomadic City.” Though smaller and costlier to maintain, the aquatic metropolis thrives through ingenious urban design, balancing the resiliency and efficiency in a drowned world.
