The housing crisis is a defining issue of our time, one that hits close to home for me and countless others. In my artwork, The Fractured Dream, I address the disparity between the ideal of homeownership and the harsh reality of unaffordability. The piece portrays two houses: one broken down and barely standing, the other in pristine condition. Both display “For Sale” signs, yet neither is truly attainable. The run-down house, despite its dire state, is priced beyond reason, while the well-maintained home demands an absurdly high and unattainable cost.

This piece is hand-drawn with a simple mechanical pencil to emphasize its rawness and stark simplicity, reflecting the unadorned truth of the housing crisis. The broken home is characterized by jagged lines and cracks, embodying neglect and decay, while the well-kept house features clean, structured lines that suggest stability and aspiration. The “For Sale” signs symbolize the illusion of opportunity, highlighting how both options are out of reach for most people.

I was inspired by my fear of never being able to afford a home, a sentiment shared by many of my generation. The work invites viewers to confront the widening gap between dream and reality, urging a deeper understanding of how systemic inequalities perpetuate this crisis.

With The Fractured Dream, I aim to foster dialogue about the housing crisis and its impact on individuals and communities. By exposing the barriers and contradictions of homeownership today, I hope to encourage action toward a future where a stable home is a right, not a privilege.