Shared Spaces

What was, is, and will be.

"Shared Spaces" is a triptych by Shay Jung that delves into the profound and continuous impact of technology on society, with a narrower focus on Williamson County, Texas.

The artwork explores how technological advancements have historically reshaped lifestyles, economies, and landscapes, from when goods were transported by cowboys and wagoneers to the introduction of railmen and conductors, leading to significant social and economic shifts.

The paintings vividly depict the evolution from small-town life to a growing city and manual labor to mechanized processes. They illustrate how technology while replacing old jobs, has created new roles and opportunities, altered societal structures, and influenced government regulations. This transition is symbolized by the transformation of towns, while the 100 year old railroad enables the establishment of modern commodities to perpetuate the County's ever-changing fabric.

Jung's work critically examines the societal response to these changes—nostalgia for a past way of life, adaptation to new realities, and the inevitable cultural and economic shifts accompanying technological progress. Through this historical lens, the triptych addresses the broader theme of technology's dual nature: not inherently good or bad but a tool whose impact is determined by human use and societal context.

"Shared Spaces" invites viewers to reflect on their relationship with technology, nostalgia, and each other and the power those relationships have to shape the future.