From Left to Right, Top to Bottom: “See What’s In Front Of You”, “What’s Wrong With Me”, “Is This Really Worth It”, “Don’t Look At Me Like That”, “Who Else But Me???”, “Where Am I Meant To Find You Now”, “Sit With Me For A While”, “I’m Sick Of This”, “It Will All Make Sense In The End”

Skin & Bones &

‘Skin & Bones &’ is a collection featuring 9 paintings each depicting a unique emotional state through form, colour and words, all inspired by a range of life experiences and states of mind. The emotional atmospheres portrayed are negative experiences that we, as individuals, try to eliminate from our existence. We are told to hide these darker parts of life and the unignorable emotions we feel during these phases, isolating us all from one another. But we forget the power that can come from these experiences. If the shame surrounding these experiences is removed, it can allow individuals to connect with each other on a more intimate level. This is what my work aims to do.

The visual confrontations in “Skin & Bones &” represent the conscious and subconscious mind through these mundane yet complex phases of life. Each painting consists of; a blank figure of skin and bones, representing the conscious thought process, paired with a smaller manipulated AI figure symbolising the subconscious mind. The paintings also all contain a statement linking to the experience, a direct look into my own thoughts whilst experiencing these low moments. The minimalist aesthetic of the collection allows individuals to put themselves into each piece authentically and connect to the expressions in their unique way – without fear of judgement. Putting these thoughts to form helps individuals to see, feel and accept the unpredictable and often unwanted moments of our existence that aren’t welcomed and attempt to isolate you.

Portraying themes such as frustration, judgement, grief and change, these thought-provoking portraits attempt to break down the wall of superficiality we all have up to aid in connection between all of us. Despite the intensity of these pieces, using the negative experiences of our trifling human existence provides a safe space to reflect on the themes expressed. Exploring these mental processes through my art in times of my own vulnerability stripped away the facade that everything is perfect and gave me the opportunity to be human. These paintings allow us to come face-to-face with the emotions we try to hide, letting individuals remove that protective layer to bring us together for a moment of vulnerability. My work expresses that you are not alone in this and you don’t have to hide either.