Final Project Statement
Globalization of the 20th century dramatically affected the transnational organizations of the crime industry. Based on the extensive research that has been done on organized crime, over the course of this semester I have explored how transnational non-governmental organizations, like the Medellin Cartel, redefined their development strategies to center on partnership and expansion. I specifically explored how Pablo Escobar was able to transform Colombia into the largest cocaine exporter in the world. The Medellin Cartel shows us how organized crime has evolved into an industry that is needed by and has transformed the global economy. For my final project, I decided to take all that I have learned during my research and apply it in a way that would cater to my talents. With a brush and oil paint, I feel as though I have captured what the essences of organized crime is. My painting is of an old-school Chevy one that was used for the smuggling of drugs by the Medellin cartel across Colombian borders. I felt this car was and affective way from me to portray my subject matter, because not only does it symbolize the illicit activities organized crime groups are involved in, but also shows how technological advancements can aid in those endeavors, how globalization can aid in those endeavors. Overall I spent about a week constructing this painting to produce the finished result that you see.