The Black Mirror (series) 2019-2023
The year 2020 proved to be an especially difficult one for Wendy Maruyama and her family. In January, they were forced to place a beloved aunt into a memory care facility. It was heartbreaking to move her from the home she had lived in since 1968, but her dementia had begun to significantly affect her quality of life and well-being.
In March, the COVID-19 pandemic struck, forcing widespread isolation. Professional obligations and art exhibitions were cancelled, as were workshops and conferences. Maruyama’s former teaching colleagues had to transition their courses online—a daunting challenge for many artists and educators. Though she was no longer teaching at the time, Maruyama deeply empathized with those who were faced with such abrupt changes.
In May, the murder of George Floyd by a police officer in Minneapolis shocked and enraged the nation, which had already witnessed far too many acts of brutality against Black Americans. Protests erupted across the country and soon spread around the world. During this time, the President—rather than offering comfort or unity—continued to divide and agitate an already wounded nation.
In July, Maruyama’s uncle, affectionately known as “Unkie Roy,” passed away in his senior living facility. Having been denied visitors for six months due to pandemic restrictions, he had grown increasingly lonely and eventually decided to stop eating and drinking. He passed away on July 11th—Maruyama’s birthday.
In addition to the loss of her uncle, several of Maruyama’s close friends also passed away that year. The compounded grief underscored how loss—whether of family or friends—remains one of the most emotionally difficult and universal of human experiences.
As 2020 drew to a close, Maruyama looked ahead with cautious hope— wishing simply for endurance and healing after an unrelenting year.