Emerging artist Marc Mones presents his detailed, graphic and dystopia-like drawings in the TDP gallery in his exhibition Pagliacci. The graphite illustrations are abundant with references to pop culture and clues into the artist’s own personal journey of addiction, recovery, treatment and transformation. Pagliacci is an Italian term directly translating to clowns, and is a reference to the sad clown Pagliacci from Alan Moore’s graphic novel Watchmen; which is a cautionary tale of depression. The figures and scenery depicted in the drawings are not preconceived, but “seem to materialize and begin to create a narrative”, as if they are channeled from a “higher level of consciousness”, states Mones. The fantastical clown-like figures in the drawings are reminiscent of the other worldly figures seen in works like that of Hieronymus Bosch’s Garden of Earthly Delights; but are also unique characters that can be seen as a reflection of the artist’s history with addiction. Each piece is adorned with rich textures and patterns, blending symbols of religion, politics and society seamlessly.