Olivia Sharkey

In this series I explore the themes of self image and mental isolation from others. Through mainly distorted portraits, I explore the wide range of emotions and factors, both inward and outward, contributing to my self image. This includes friends, family, home, and confidence. Though I know my experiences aren’t unique, I’ve struggled sharing these emotions with others because of the vulnerability that comes with it. With my art I can indirectly share my feelings with others and let these feelings out.

With loose brushstrokes and a grimey style, I convey emotions I associate with the distortion of my self image. I symbolize how I censor myself around others with pixels while the muddy and dark color palette create an off-putting, creepy aura replicating my discomfort within myself. Through my journey, I’ve been pushing myself to fight the anxiety around how other people perceive me and have realized how necessary it is to take away the power of other’s opinions. By the repetition of distorted portraits, I offer a new, almost humorous perspective to the conversation of self image and worth.