FASTFORWARD

From the perspective of a smoker - a small child holds her breath with a frown, in the same way I myself (and I’m sure many more) would do whenever walking past a smoker in public as a small child. An outward and intentional display of disgust, a criticism, an ‘Ew I don’t want to breathe that in’, expressed silently through a child's blatant & exaggerated expression, yet to learn shame. The child and cigarette are the only parts of the painting which are not imprinted by the texture of bubble wrap, symbolising a loss of innocence, which serves as a temporary protection against life's harsh truths. An uncomfortably nostalgic moment, confronted by their naive childhood ideals. The smoker's guilt and regret stems from an ongoing action which is ultimately a willing choice - but is it enough to quit? Probably not.