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Fascinated by the human mind, my body of work ranges from 2D to 3D pieces as a means to explore the mechanisms of human emotions. As I integrate both personal experiences and external research into my work, the process of preparing this exhibition has become a journey to self-discovery. I have come to learn more about emotions and its impact on a personal and societal level. While colors, textures, and shapes have an emotional impact on us, everyone experiences them differently; thus, there is no correct formula in viewing my artworks.
Exhibit Area
The Human Mind_Valerie.movThe Human Mind (2021)
Transparent PVC sheet, cardstock paper, and purchased LED light
26 x 26 x 26 cm
This first piece is an interactive sculpture made to represent the dynamic nature of the human mind. Depending on where the audience is standing, they will see different colors due to the interplay between the primary colors of red, blue, and yellow. Through this piece, I want to portray how everyone perceives things differently as our emotions and thoughts are constantly changing based on our relationship with our surroundings and experiences.
Blinded (2021)
Oil and fluid acrylic paint on canvas
60 x 50 cm
Intrigued by Cesar Biojo’s integration of realistic and abstract techniques, this painting portrays the experience of letting our feelings hijack our rational thinking. When emotions override our logic, our expectations of others increase, creating a distorted mind.
It Follows (2020)
Oil paint and impasto on canvas
80 x 100 cm
This painting explores the psychological concept of meta-emotion, which is how we feel about our feelings. It portrays the emotional response to anger with guilt as it tries to ease our careless behavior. Inspired by Budi Kustarto and Meredith Marsone, their artworks have prompted me to seek new compositional arrangements and painting techniques, such as the use of impasto to create heavy strokes of paint.
So Who's in Control? (2020)
Linoleum print, water-based ink
42 x 29.7 cm
When we experience an overwhelming burst of negative emotions, we tend to ignore our rationality and do things to fulfill our ego. This print depicts the subconscious act of letting our emotions control our decisions. The figure represents the emotional dominance we encounter over our actions. For this piece, I was inspired by Scott Minzy to implement his carving technique of thin lines.
Hidden (Triptych) (2020)
Digital photographs printed on canvas, threads
20 x 30 cm
Living in what I perceived as a judgemental society, we often hide our feelings to protect our image and relationship with others. This self-portrait conveys the suppression of anxiety through the muddled strands of thread. Inspired by Maurizio Anzeri, the thread seeks to bring what was hidden inside our chaotic state of mind to the exterior facade, reminding us that expressing our feelings is normal and is what defines us as humans.
Overflow_Valerie.movOverflow (2021)
Air-dry clay, styrofoam, wire, ready-made beads, and threads
25 x 15 x 11 cm
This mixed media sculpture is intended to represent the mechanism of crying in response to overwhelming situations. The colorful ready-made beads symbolize the built-up of various emotions inside our minds that are being released in the form of tears. These released feelings are then represented through smaller, clear beads to convey its subsided emotional level. The surrealist approach to this piece was Inspired by Johnson Tsang’s sculptures.
Release_Valerie.movRelease (2021)
Poster paper on canvas
50 x 50 x 12 cm
Texture is known to evoke emotions, and through this piece, I want to initiate an unsettling experience as the audience stands in front of the canvas. While the cones’ sharp vertex insinuate the outburst of anger, the emotion(s) the audience experience may be different due to their unique relationship with the colors and texture.
Turmoil (2020)
Oil paint and impasto on canvas
60 x 50 cm
This piece was inspired by a graphic novel entitled "Chinese Whispers" by Rani Pramesti. As the graphic novel recalls her tragic experiences as a child amidst the Indonesian May 1998 riot, this painting explores fear through the lens of a Chinese-Indonesian girl. Through this piece, I hope to evoke fear among the audience, establishing a connection with the devastating event.
You've made it to the end of my exhibition :) Thank you so much for stopping by!
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