Acrylic
Below & Beneath (2023)
Acrylic on canvas
12x9in
‘Below & Beneath’, represents the fleeting moment of respite in cycles of stress. The contrast of blues between the face and the background convey a feeling of coming up for a breath of fresh air. The lines of blue create a calming and relieving presence which intersects the chaotic nature of the texture. This momentary relief is enforced by the deep purple which represents an ever present and inescapable pit of anxiety that, although can take a backseat from time to time, it will eventually drag us back in.
National Disgrace (2023)
Acrylic on canvas
4x4in
‘National Disgrace’, represents the duality of cultural identity. The two sides of the face, as characterized by their main colours, yellow and green, is a reference to the difference you sometimes feel when returning to your country of origin, after not having lived there in years. The size of the painting alludes to how we try to make ourselves feel small in these situations, to get ourselves out of the spotlight. The direct eye contact allows the audience to feel as if they are the ones being judged, forcing them to step inside the shoes of another.