Final answer:
Dr. McNutt is likely referring to both the literal fracturing of the continents in the artwork by FaceMePLS and the metaphorical fragmentation of unity and economic disorder caused by the historic exploitation of resources, particularly in Africa.
Step-by-step explanation:
When Dr. McNutt refers to the continent “falling apart,” it could be interpreted metaphorically, particularly in the context of an artwork like Drifting Continents by FaceMePLS. This statement likely refers to the fragmented representation of the world’s continents within the artwork, symbolizing the disintegration of unity among regions and the impact of historical exploitation and economic disorder.
The artwork uses materials such as flattened gold tops (aluminum liquor bottle caps) to allude to how wealth and gold have been extracted from Africa, leaving behind a legacy of economic difficulties. The artwork highlights the perceived value of gold and the irony of its representation through discarded materials, conveying a message about the disparity between the intrinsic worth and the material value of objects.