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In this post-apocalyptic world, 
Shih Tzus are apex predators, 
and humans are their main prey. 

I think that post-apocalyptic 
narratives are often too 

antropocentric—sometimes 
even devoid of any living beings 
besides humans. As such they 
often also rely on cannibalism 
and murder to epitomize the 
status of morals in a new, 
lawless world. Shih Tzus have 
always been lawless creatures, 
though we see them as not the 
predator animals they are, but 
rather our adorable and lovable 
companions. There is absolutely 
an expected dissonance between 
seeing their cute, dopey faces 
covered in blood and human 
remains. 

Featured Artist: Gabriella Marcarelli
New College of Florida

We are thrilled to share five pieces of art by the talented Gabriella Marcarelli, as well as her 

artistic rationale for her work.

“Treat”

“People Food”



68

MARCARELLI

Often stories of the post-apocalypse center on a 

dilapidated American landscape that is void of life 

and morals. However, for these three pieces, I tried to 

imagine how the mining town of La Rinconada, Peru 

would look in a post-apocalyptic setting. The 

present-day, economic climate of Peru forces its 

citizens, mainly its indigenous citizens, to seek work

in the inhumane and inhospitable gold 

mines of La Rinconada. Currently, 

the exploitation of miners and land 

at the hands of the gold industry has 

led this town to become nearly post-

apocalyptic. So perhaps the death of the 

gold industry via the apocalypse would 

allow for a sort of rebirth; through 

a collective effort, the town could  

abandon the mines and foster plant life 

and agriculture to sustain themselves 

and live on for themselves and those lost 

to the apocalypse.

“Pallaqueras”

“Mamacha”

“El Despertar”