Curatorial Rationale

The IB Visual Arts course acted as my creative outlet amidst the rigorous IB diploma program. As I plan on studying Architecture, taking this course would be essential in learning how to develop ideas, explore, and applying problem-solving skills. The purpose of this course is to create works of art influenced by our own experiences while developing skills, techniques, and processes to effectively express concepts and ideas of our own.

The body of work that we produce may seem like individual pieces that stand alone, however, they have a cohesive theme. I was so accustomed to creating art for leisure and with no intentions, so this was challenging. Over time, I explored different themes and this impacted the flow of my work because I created my pieces according to the theme I had during that certain period. I thought of themes such as environment, media, and technology, but these themes did not fit the body of work I was creating.

The final theme I developed is relationships and interactions. I explore the interaction or conflict between internal and external factors. It is the idea that there are always connections or a sense of interconnectedness between people and/or things. Through my work, I explore the interaction between factors like our own identity, people, society and culture, and technology. The expression of the interactions was mostly in the form of 2-dimensional art, in which I used a range of medium from mixed media, digital-based art, oil pastels, and printing.

Another common theme in my body of work is the use of vibrant and saturated colors in the portrayal of these various relationships. Through the colors, I want the viewers to feel the intensity of all these connections and relationships, and that although the colors may seem to be erratic, they still achieve a sense of harmony. This helps the audience get a grasp of and be more aware of these relationships within our lives.

My exhibition will be presented according to different types of relationships and interactions. The first group, which are the internal interactions, include “Thought Process” and “Free Flowing” These two are grouped together as they portray interactions that occur within us or solely ourselves. They both involve ideas that reflect what goes on in our heads. “Thought Process” is my own interpretation of how we think, which involves both logic and emotion. This is contrary to the belief that people are either guided by one or the other and never simultaneously. “Free Flowing” expresses the need to relax and let go of what is occupying our minds in order to unveil a liberated self.

The next group involves interactions between internal and external factors. This group comprises of “Distinction”, “Growth”, “Metamorphose”, and “Patience”. These works express the influence of external factors, such as family and surroundings, onto our identity. “Distinction” and “Growth” are two similar pieces that I consider the embodiment of the relationship between internal and external factors. Both works are a play of colors on portraits. “Metamorphose” is simply about family and how although we are individuals, we are also a mixture of each other as portrayed by the use of yellow and blue, which come together to form green in the middle. “Patience” is a piece that shows how culture and/or social status constrains us from what we desire.

The last group includes “Incognito '', “Decay”, and “Bustle” which focus on external interactions. “Incognito '' is about the attachment of social media. “Decay” centers on the issue of plastic pollution and what our future may look like if we continue our actions. “Bustle” gives insight on two prominent and contrasting populations that coexist within our nation, the rich and the poor, and their role on progress and development.

Through my exhibit, I want the audience to leave with greater self-awareness and the role that they have on they own identity and other people’s identity. I want to enlighten them on these relationships and interactions that they may have overlooked. The main goal of my exhibition is for people to realize they have an impact on their surroundings, whether it be unconscious or not, due to the numerous connections between different factors.