The quality of life can be interpreted in various ways. Its corresponding relationship between the passage of time creates a field full of opportunities fueling for growth; yet, its fragile traits often make life to be taken for granted. However, I am no different. My perspective towards life has always been filled with extreme negativity. Hence, through my body of work, the audience will be able to follow my journey of self-growth and understand the true essence of life. Entitled Isn’t Life a Fairy-tale? The body of work showcases a linear narrative, containing 8 different artworks, with each one having a story to tell.

Depicted in the artworks are contextual frameworks of the different stages of life that fuel my growth. Beginning from my childhood days, as illustrated on Once Upon a Time. Inspired by Margaret Bowland (http://www.margaretbowland.com/), from the concept of young girls wearing dresses for symbolism, the piece portrayed my younger self who has just begun the journey of life, excited to live a life full of magical fantasies. However, unaware of life’s true nature, its was further sugar-coated by getting everything I wanted to be fulfilled at ease, which was represented in Suit Yourself. Not only physically, inspired by Lilo & Stitch, Ohana Means Family portrays how I was contended mentally by the support from my family. Metamorphosis depicts my younger self, longingly anticipated to grow up. However, contrast reactions began to be evident in This Better Have a Happy Ending!, portraying how I realized life has its inevitable highs and lows. Hardships of life are further elaborated on In Another Life, which was emphasized through the illustration of a mirror connecting both worlds to express the feeling of regret and the aphorism of “Carpe Diem” which was often used by Horace the to convey the message of making the most out of the present (https://www.britannica.com/topic/carpe-diem). The Never-Ending Tale, inspired by video arts made by Zafri Huzairi (https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSJJs7sE8/), I used animation to mark the shift in my perspective towards life. Through its black and white concept, it describes that life is a tale of joy and despair. Beautiful Mess ends the exhibit with contemporary portraiture that reflects my perceptions of life as of today, depicted through fluttering hair looks. This piece emphasizes how I embrace the uncertainties of life by enjoying each stage. Knowing well, that the uncertainties are what makes life a colorful journey.

The continuous sequence of artworks imitates the relentless cycle of life. Portraying one theme, with each one executed outstandingly; through video art, ready-made art, installation, and paintings, proves my growth of gaining technical competence on distinct mediums. Particularly, the use of oil paints and After Effects, which are tools I am not familiar with yet, to embrace the uncertainties. I used oil paint to create vivid illustrations applied through the under-painting technique by rendering a base, to prove how I can deal with uncertainties and make it certain.

Aside from challenging myself, each medium used has a meaning that aligns with its story. Particularly, the contrast between vintage installations and digital video art that focuses on representing the past, future and the significant change in my personal growth. Moreover, the inclusion of vintage objects towards representing my childhood memories also adds a sentimental value. To further embrace the nostalgic essence, the body of work is rendered with a honey orange color tint, to create a warm overtone and add to its cohesiveness.

Possessing great meanings, the artworks are presented through a sequential form, from left to right. Allowing the audience to be involved in the journey. Added through the depiction of an indirect mutual gaze between the artist and the audience in Beautiful Mess, it invites them to join in embracing the uncertainties of life. The use of symbolism throughout the body of works also helps to build the audience’s emotional perspective as at times, it may become a lot more personal for some. The inclusion of vintage objects also allows the audience to have different interpretations of its significance towards the art; which allows their imagination to take place. Thus, these are what makes my exhibition a remarkable one.