The Batman, a crime-fighting vigilante by night, is celebrated and remembered for his unyielding commitment to upholding the law and justice. The man beneath the mask, however, is hardly a paragon of virtue and strength.

When the sun rises and Gotham's shadows fade, Bruce Wayne emerges as a charismatic and charming but seemingly shallow tycoon. His daytime facade is that of a socialite and playboy, often perceived as a product of his wealth and privilege.

Despite being a billionaire philanthropist whose wealth funds an array of advanced gadgets and crime-fighting technology, his focus seems more directed at preserving his vigilante role than addressing the issues plaguing Arkham Asylum, where the care for those with mental illness consistently falls short.

Without the asylum's problems and the perpetual stream of escapees, Gotham's hero would find himself without a purpose. His unyielding sense of righteousness and insatiable thirst for conflict are no less perilous than the motivations driving his adversaries—whether it's a quest for revenge, pursuit of power, desire for chaos, or even the possibility of redemption.

As a result, Gotham's enduring darkness and corruption persist due to deliberate ignorance and insufficient funding, fostering a stark divide between the privileged and the marginalized. It almost appears as if the city were intentionally or meticulously fashioned to maintain this unsettling status quo.

Creative writing credit: Hattie Stearns

The background is established from multiple layers of acrylic paint, applied with a mix of intentionality and spontaneity. Splashes and scrapes create dynamic textures and colors, blending control with organic expression.

Once the background is done, I add a layer of resin and sand it smooth, establishing a sense of depth and separation from the next element—whether it's a stenciled message, textured gold leaf, or another feature. This process of layering resin continues, each layer adding distance and dimension between elements.

The portrait references are developed collaboratively with AI, using a blend of inspiration imagery. I guide the AI to refine the lighting, expression, and mood, crafting a unique visual starting point. A halftone effect is added in Photoshop to prepare the reference.

From there, I map out the portrait at full scale using a grid and a stencil with different-sized circles. I sketch it in pencil first, then fill in every dot by hand with acrylic paint. I intentionally avoid methods like silk-screening or projection that might speed up or perfect the process.

To me, it's the subtle imperfections—the human touch—that resonate most deeply, capturing the essence of the human condition and infusing the work with authenticity.

Not Our Hero

Original / one of one

40 x 52 x 3”

Acrylic and resin on canvas with handmade frame