Paranoia Series
The “Paranoia” series contemplates the pleasure and pain of humanity, a raw expression of emotions with human-like features. I aim for the audience to seek discomfort. It reveals a psychological response to a disturbing manipulation of our perception of the representation of facial expressions and body language. These emotions vary from the different interpretations of the audience.
Torn
19.6”x 21.6x 7.8”
Rope, Cardboard, Plastic beads and pearls, Fabric, Paper
“Torn” is a 3D representation of the overstimulation of pleasure and pain; being torn is a fleshly appeal as emotions become twisted. The pale appeal addresses the aftermath of being consumed by greed, as colors disappear, draining one's ability to live and function, and is how one destroys oneself. The waves created by the rope become the frames that capture the figure as it becomes increasingly distorted, most prominently, the nose and smile. In my culture, a big nose symbolizes future wealth, which is shown through the distortion and contamination of the nose. Lying beneath is the fleshy hypnotic pattern of the inner mouth, descending into the consumption of pleasure. The grabbing action implies taking control of the situation, but the hands are displayed to be frail and bony. The eyes act as a filter that ignores anything that is not of value to themselves. The strength of the person who is already consumed by this greed of pleasure and pain cannot be seized.
Euphoria
39.4”x 31.5”
Acrylic paint, Gelli Print
“Euphoria” is psychedelic and can be interpreted in three various perspectives through the changes of lighting, bringing the faces to life. The neutral room lighting shows the work as one, where the colors don't make way for one another, overwhelming due to the vibrancy of the colors and faces. The blue light absorbs red tones, allowing cool tones to control its fluorescent glow, with hints of sadness and loneliness, highlighting tears, blood, and drool. The red light absorbs cool tones, solely highlighting red. It directly stimulates aggression and frustration, surpassing logic.