Mirrored - Matthew Orona

Matthew Orona -

The main intention for my body of work is to reflect the intricacies and process of self discovery with regards to identity through the interaction of color. This overarching theme draws heavy inspiration from my current state of being, given that during this large transitional period identity is bound to change and fluctuate. When examining the initial stages of my work, the apparent goal for my pieces is to excite the viewer with dynamic energies and colors, essentially driving them to a newfound and unfamiliar world, further accentuating this idea of self discovery. This exhibition aims to explore the process of self discovery through the use of primary colors as a main focus due to their symbolism. My main goal for my body of work is to engage the viewer in a dynamic exploration of their own self discovery, and in turn find refuge in themselves to further their own personal growth. I aim to achieve this effect by urging the viewer to engage in self reflection through the concept of contrast in regards to shapes, colors, and symbols. Pieces such as “Stopping”(2021) and “Friendzy” (2022) clash visually, however both still aim to encompass this theme surrounding the separation and merging of the primary colors, which is critical to the function of my body of work.

When considering the themes within my body of work, I aimed to find some form of cohesive connection between all of the present pieces through the use of “growth” or “development” throughout my works. The mini series consisting of “Stopping”(2020) and “Outlook”(2021) explore this general idea of story telling through imagery. Both these pieces contain the same character with drastically different thematic settings in an attempt to highlight the development and growth of this unknown figure within the piece. In contrast to this theme of storytelling, the pieces “Friendzy”(2020) and “Overlap”(2021) were made to express this theme of growth in a different manner. These pieces reflect this theme through contrast in motifs as both pieces feature this concept regarding “intricacy” however one explores the idea of unity, while the other attempts to explore chaos and confusion. My collective body of work also features inspiration from a multitude of artists and these influences and inspirations are present in my body of work. For example, my beginning stages of research on the artist Yayoi Kusama drove my inspiration for what is now “Friendzy”(2020) while minor or smaller artists such as Maruti Bitamin and Kasey Golden functioned as more indirect inspiration for the more dynamic pieces seen in my presented body of work. Collectively, these artists all use color in order to abstain some form of effect on the viewer and my body of work aims to encapsulate that feeling. Maruti Bitamin and their work features the use of chaotic characterization and this was a large area of inspiration for the piece “T H E M”(2021) as this piece aimed to encapsulate the dynamic energies found within the presence of multiple living beings engaging in a real space.

All of these artists are important to the development of previous work and now serve as a large foundation for my current work. Moving forward into my body of work I still aim to work with this motif of the primary colors Cyan, Yellow, and Magenta and their symbolism in regards to identity. However in more recent developments there seems to be a new focus on the innate beauty of nature and its influence within the lives of the individual. I aim to capture this through the symbolism surrounding insects and their intricate inner workings. This is the main inspiration for my second mini-series “Triadynastid”(2022) as it features not only visual elements surrounding the growth of an insect, but also floral imagery and bold contrast with the use of line. In reflecting upon my body of work, I am glad to say that it has developed into the body of work I craved at the start of this journey. Initially I wanted to explore the importance of humans and the intricacies within their mind, however now I believe the function of my work aims to encapsulate the interconnectedness of our lives.

Stopping, gouache on watercolor paper and glass, 22.86 x 17.78 cm

This multi-layer gouache piece is the first in a series of two works created with the intention of exploring growth through storytelling. The subject and train feature a predominantly primary color palette in contrast to the grim cave surrounding, further centering the girl as the sole subject of the piece. Stopping(2020) draws inspiration from the work of Hayao Miyazaki and Maruti Bitamin to utilize color as a way of exploring playful themes of growth through storytelling.

Firmamental, gouache on watercolor and glass, 30.48 x 25.4 cm

This sister piece to Stopping (2020) was created with the intent of furthering the theme of growth through visual interactions of color and playful themes of adventure. In contrast to Stopping(2020)’s melancholy mood, Firmamental(2021) portrays a more curious mood, through body language and brighter natural landscapes. The perspective of the cliff outlook alongside the new city allows the viewer to create their own interpretation of the girl’s story and engage in her journey alongside her.

T H E M, acrylic on sculpey, 30.48 x 30.48 x 30.48 cm

This multi-subject sculpture piece was created with the intention of engaging the viewer in “curious chaos” through the various poses exhibited by these figures. The different subjects feature the unifying primary color scheme with an intentional clown-like trope. This was selected with the intent of adding to the present playful theme of curiosity and color. Exploring a wide range of personalities, T H E M(2021) forces the viewer to channel their inner daycare worker in a fun and bubbly manner.

CMY Pinned, cellophane on glass

25.4 x 20.32 cm

This multi layered glass piece features the interaction of the CMY primary colors once again. This dynamic drew inspiration from Transparency (2021) and functionally represents the intricacies of identity through the overlap of the cellophane. The viewer is encouraged to move around CMY Pinned(2022) to warp the color overlap, allowing the beetle to “paint itself.” The playful interaction of colors within this piece beckons the viewer to make their experience with this piece unique and personal.

Triadynastid, alcohol marker and misulove liner on watercolor paper, 22.86 x 15.24 cm, 15.24 x 22.86 cm, 15.24 x 22.86 cm

This mini-series was created with the intent of exploring dynamics of growth through a literal and symbolic perspective. The three pieces feature the common primary color theme while the bold lines of the flower linework inspired by Nicole Para provides contrast with the minute hatching of the bugs. The title draws inspiration from the latin classification of beetles, “dynastes” and the subjects themselves reflect the life cycle of a beetle, commenting on the idea of growth in literal terms.

Friendzy, POSCA on canvas, 91.44 x 91.44 cm

Friendzy(2020) is a multi-canvas piece featuring the exploration of dynamics surrounding linework and color contrast. Drawing on inspiration from artists such as Yayoi Kusama, Friendzy(2020) aims to overwhelm and intrigue the viewer in a hypnotic manner while still remaining symbolically cryptic. The piece was created using only one continuous line as a symbol of social unity and features the inclusion of the primary colors for visual appeal as well as an unconventional canvas shape.

Transparency, POSCA on canvas, 142.24 x 91.44 cm

This piece largely draws inspiration from Friendzy(2020) in both process and visual aspects. Both pieces were created in a mindless manner, functioning as a form of self care for the artist. This piece engages the viewer with a maze-like motif portrayed through the use of line while still embracing an unnatural canvas shape. Drawing inspiration from the linework of Keith Haring, Transparency(2021) aims at exploring the playful dynamic of personal growth through the banter of the primary colors.