Mental Abrasion by Connor Daniels

Mental Abrasion is a meditative portrait of psychic erosion. Executed in ballpoint pen with deliberate intensity, the piece captures the internal grind of thought, emotion, and technological overstimulation. The subject’s calm facial expression contrasts sharply with the mechanical and fractured elements that dissect and reinforce the face and torso, symbolizing both the cost and necessity of adaptation in a hyperconnected world.

The work features a bust-like figure with eyes closed — one marked by circuitry, the other sunken with exhaustion. The symmetry of the face is disrupted by scars, implants, and signal-like markings, while the smooth cranial plane is both serene and clinical. The exposed mechanical throat and chest cavity resemble data ports, echoing the idea of the self as a processing system overwhelmed by its inputs. This piece visualizes internalized stress not as chaos, but as a meticulously organized burden.

Perfect for tranquil, contemplative spaces that hold emotional depth —

• Meditation rooms

• Therapist or wellness offices

• Minimalist interiors with monochrome or tech-driven design cues
  Offers a silent, reflective presence and intellectual gravity.