Angie M.

Curatorial Rationale

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The theme of my exhibition is self-perception, specifically, how one's surroundings play a significant role in their personal outlook. However, the artworks move through a variety of ideas, these were explored by looking at (1) the effects of who you surround yourself with, (2) the culmination of poor mental health and (3) the role an individual's private space serves in their lives. All of the pieces are a product of emotions and situations in which I have undergone— and have found many of my peers to have also resonated with. My subject matter predominantly consists of imagery relevant to familiar environments and everyday life. 

 

The first sub-theme was heavily influenced by Western beauty standards and the societal expectations imposed upon women. I highlight the effects these can play on an individual’s self-worth and their subsequent personal outlook, evident in Two Halves Make a Whole.  With this, I explore how media and peers can contribute to a Loss of Self whereas nurturing positive relationships will in turn, manifest in all other aspects of life, including— self-acceptance, seen in Woman in Foliage. Sources of inspiration included artists Jenny Saville and Frida Kahlo who often represent struggles between females and the body. 

 

The second sub-theme was inspired by feelings of burnout and breakdowns. Conscious centers on emotions that stem from the pandemic, as individuals have had to remain in the same space, isolated for long periods of time. Similarly, Slowly Wilting and Collapse depict the deterioration of a person's well being through the context of their surroundings, as mental health can influence how one presents and takes care of themselves. 

 

The third sub-theme was formed from my own coping strategies and observations. I've noticed how one’s private space can serve as an outlet to completely be oneself. I begin specifically with Sources of Energy, showcasing a small, but impactful corner that has been able to shift my entire outlook. Then, involving the views of my peers, Safe Spaces highlights places they have been able to find comfort in. Lastly, How Little We Know shows how each individual lives vastly different realities. It summarizes the idea that space serves a different purpose from person-to-person and that we must stay true to ourselves, pushing against our longing to be like somebody else. 

 

My art mainly uses female subjects as those are the individuals and experiences I can best relate to and capture— being a woman myself. Nonetheless, the works can apply to any individual as the concepts are universal thereby, conceptually, the pieces can be generalized to numerous circumstances. Furthermore, certain visuals are seen to repeat within the works such as foliage. The parallels between humans and nature are symbolic of a person's mental state; as plants bloom to show good mental health and wilt as it degrades. This connection was impacted by others artists; Conscious appropriates Matisse’s leaves in “La Musique” and Woman in Foliage stems from Kahlo’s composition in “Self-Portrait with Thorn Necklace and Hummingbird” or, the figures’ interactions with crops in Magsaysay-Ho’s “Tomato Pickers”. The color scheme within each work varies, depending on the message being conveyed however; all the pieces were created using muted tones. This has an emotional effect on the viewer, as they are less threatening and striking than bold colors.  I hope to invite people to feel comfortable and connect to the artworks, despite dealing with some heavier emotions. In addition, the pieces are predominantly medium in size, allowing me to focus on supporting detail for impact. 

 

In all, my subject matter predominantly consists of imagery relevant to everyday life, in particular, familiar environments. However, I aim to capture the subsequent impact these surroundings have on people. As a result, I hope to create meaningful artworks that the audience is able to relate to, reflect on and gain awareness of the influence spaces have on their own lives.