Tulip’s World is based on a 1948 painting by Andrew Wyeth called Christina’s World, depicting a woman who is unable to walk but refuses to use a wheelchair. She instead crawls with determination and longing from a grassy field to the mowed landscape of a house. Similar to Christina, Tulip faces obstacles in a post-climate-apocalypse future, unsure of where they came from or where they are going exactly, but certain that there is something good to look forward to, and filled with a kind determination to get there with any friends they make along the way. Sometimes we may choose to face struggles alone, but other times we can ask for help and look forward to community support.
This piece was hand drawn with mixed media on a 13x12” piece of repurposed cardboard. It does dent easily, so please treat it with care, just like the planet!
What is the Tulip universe? Tulip is a flower spirit who reminds us of the land on top of which we paved cement and other structures. While tulips, the actual real-life flower, are not native to North America, they are not an invasive plant species. They were brought here, mostly against their will, but are able to co-exist peacefully within existing ecosystems. They can acknowledge that the present is not ideal and nevertheless continue to seek a future that is brighter for all. There is a lot we can learn from these beautiful and diverse flowers.
About the Artist
My name is Cat Xia (they/them) and I’m an artist in Sacramento, CA who likes to create sad, angry, and cute art. My illustrative narratives trend towards my experiences with climate change, racism, sexism, religion, spirituality, and class warfare.