On the Road

Jack Kerouac

Jack Kerouac's On the Road ignited my desire to study in the U.S., inspiring me to experience its liberty, opportunities, and jazz culture firsthand. Rereading the book now, after 30 years of calling this country home, I feel a deep sense of nostalgia. The country that once felt boundless and full of hope now seems increasingly constrained, its freedoms eroded by complexities and a growing sense of disillusionment.

I used vintage road maps and jazz vinyls from 1947–1957—the era of Kerouac's travels and the release of his iconic book—to trace the states mentioned in On the Road, pairing each with quotes that distill its essence. To reflect the theme of freedom, I embraced a red, white, and blue palette and a dynamic, chaotic painting style, echoing Kerouac’s stream-of-consciousness writing and the spontaneity of jazz. By layering six coats of paint, I sought to create a billboard-like effect, evoking the layered experiences, memories, and messages that shape the American landscape.