self-pres·er·ta·tion
Exhibition dates: December 2 - 6, 2024
Closing reception: Thursday, December 5th, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
GET RID OF THAT SATAN SHIT, acrylic on custom cut panel, velvet fabric, metal, 2024
Pink Ava, acrylic on custom cut panel, acrylic marker, engraved plastic, rhinestones, 2024
The Anti-Aging Process, acrylic on custom panel, 2024
Artist Statement
self-pres·er·ta·tion
(noun) self- prē-ˌzer-ˈtā-shən:
the manifestation of one’s self-identity; combining the interior sense of self and the external presentation, pressures, and influences
In order to achieve self-presertation, we embrace or modify ourselves to reflect our individuality. We connect our physical presentations to our internal sense of self. But it’s hard for judgements not to matter. We share connections to the collective struggles: embracing femininity within a patriarchal world, accepting and validating queer identity, enduring pressures of bullying to conform to expectations of others, and finding yourself through personal style and fashion subcultures. This body of work is a testament to the strength and uniqueness of each subject, their connection to the collective experience, and how the subjects have grown from these experiences with external influences and their individual reactions.
The multimedia installations created with cutout figures and shapes allow for the transformation of space that goes beyond paint on a rectangular canvas. The modularity of the work allows me to customize the compositions with each experience. The bold choices in the size, color, and subject matter are utilized to grab the audience’s attention and spark conversations between the work, viewer, and its context. While viewing this body of work, I hope the viewers connect with the stories and experiences of each piece, become fully immersed in the installations, and potentially discover more about their own journey of self-identity.