Judith Darliska Hubbard, Student Work, Natural History of the Senses Assignment

The Decay of the Living

Pen and ink on paper

11" x 14"

From the book A Natural History of the Senses by Diane Ackerman:

“In University of Illinois primate experiments, researchers found that a lack of touch produced brain damage.” (p. 76)

“Some children who live in emotionally destructive homes just stop growing.” (p. 75).

“And people who aren't touched much as children don't touch much as adults, so the cycle continues” (p. 73).

Statement:

I wanted the viewer to immediately feel repulsed at the sight of this drawing.  What happens to someone when they are never touched?  Some become stunted in growth, others have mental disorders, and some may even wither to death.  The image represents a young woman who had potential, but was never held.  Someone who was never touched when a baby, that person would grow up to a problem child, and a cycle continues.  A cycle like the one behind the figure’s head.  However, the circle is not complete.  There is always a hope that society can change for the better.  And perhaps this change can come from love at an early age.