Lotus 

Troy Brooks created this captivating painting called Lotus, and it invites us to wander through a nocturnal cityscape. The woman in the foreground, with her serene profile, is both modern and timeless, navigating the urban environment under a shimmering umbrella. Brooks frequently portrays women with elongated features and dramatic expressions, challenging conventional beauty standards. Here, the clear umbrella becomes a shield, and a looking glass that refracts the city lights. The muted color palette and the almost ghostly figures in the background evoke a sense of longing and isolation. The artist is quoted as saying, "I want to capture that feeling of being alone in a crowd, when the world feels both intensely beautiful and overwhelmingly indifferent." The woman's posture and the shadows around her face hint at vulnerability, while the umbrella suggests a desire for protection. Lotus beautifully captures the complexities of urban life, where individuals often find themselves caught between connection and solitude. The painting reflects the emotional landscape of contemporary society.