About

Through embracing bodily distortions and awkward gesture, my exploration analyzes human behaviors exhibited during political turmoil. My figures are sourced from individuals haunted by imbalances beyond their control, and as a result feel restrained by their bodies to writhe in dysphoria. My work frames the human body wherein every curve, edge, and cavity carries grace. The crookedness in my figures, however, represents the potential one has to be a conduit for suffering. I have been studying the human form, the ways muscle wraps around bone, how gravity distributes weight, and ranges of gesture, all tools to convey that looming helplessness. My work plays on the tension between extremes, as well as how suffering is derived from the political status quo. Through media coverage of current conflicts, foreign and domestic, exposure to violence and dehumanization has become a part of daily life. The tools people in power use to manipulate the masses are more evident than ever. False idol figures campaign on demagoguery and divine right to stay in power and divide humanity via culture war. A political sphere such as this teaches people to either take an extremist side for comfort or lose trust in all institutions completely, both ultimately fueling the suffering of the common individual. In highlighting these practices, my intention is not to wallow, but to grow. My purpose in showing this exhibition is to stoke reflection surrounding pain and exploitation to develop empathy, hope and love for others as it did for myself.