Unwanted Emotions
03-04/2024, Group exhibition, Torggler Fine Arts Center, Newport News, VA
The purpose of Unwanted Emotions is to depict different negative feelings and emotional states that I have both experienced and seen in the people around me. Each piece is a digital drawing centered around a faceless protagonist to present the characters’ experiences as universally relatable. The use of strong contrast in dark scenes elevates the hopelessness of each emotion. In presenting these negative states, I also bring light to the beauty in each piece and the hope that shines through the darkness.
Each character and environment has symbolism that points back to the feeling stated in the piece’s name. Inhuman traits are given to the characters to show a distance and differentness from whatever force is making them feel the way they do. In “Self-Consciousness,” for example, the figure has a peacock tail and is between the curtains of a stage. This symbolizes a type of performance that the character has to put on while the many eyes of the feathers are watching. The yellow light that this character holds represents the pride they shelter to keep them from crumbling under the pressure.
Self-Consciousness
Loneliness
Embarrassment
Fear
Overwhelm
Exhaustion
Additionally, two paintings were made to complement Unwanted Emotions. In them, positive emotions are depicted in contrast to the negative ones. Low contrast and light colors surrounded in white are the highlights of these pieces. The difference in medium and tone offers a moment of rest and escape when compared to the six drawings.
Growth, Oil on Canvas
Comfort, Oil on Canvas
