Charlize Tran

Social distancing & limiting our usual interactions with others have become conscientious actions made by many people during the pandemic. In my sustained investigation, I’m exploring the mental & emotional effects caused by being deprived of social interaction & physical touch. Furthermore, my pieces delve deeper into the individuals’ perception of facing hardships that are internalized & emotionally suppressed.

While developing these works, I draw inspiration from the familiarity of being surrounded by these small interactions with people that we don’t realize how important they are until they’re taken away. I create moods that portray a sense of detachment, urgency, loneliness, and isolation. My color palette enhances the mood to execute emotionally strenuous environments. I apply more saturated, bolder colors and mark-making to represent desperation for social interaction & physical touch. Referencing persistent feelings of social deprivation, I revert to cool-toned color schemes and evoking emotion through facial & gestural expression. My pieces draw connections made between the individual & their perspective of suppressing their emotions by implementing symbolism.