Majoring in BFA Painting, I used metaphor and color to convey my ideas and emotions.
Having grown up in different countries and diverse cultures, painting became a vital medium for me to explore my identity and express the unique experiences that shaped me.
Gaze
Oil on Canvas, 80”x50”, 2022Gaze is a captivating black and white painting that delves into the complex interplay of emotions through the male perspective. This artwork features a pair of roosters depicted in stark monotone, enhancing the intensity of their expressions. The direct eye contact between the viewer and these creatures evokes a profound sense of manipulation, tension, and the eerie calm that often precedes a storm.
The choice of black and white not only emphasizes the dramatic contrast but also amplifies the underlying emotions of power and anticipation captured within this moment. This painting invites the viewer into a silent, tense tableau, where every brush stroke builds upon the next, creating a powerful narrative frozen in time.
Consecutive
Oil on Canvas, 54”x38”, 2022Consecutive is a surreal and vibrant painting that captures a cluster of colorful oriental masks, each distinct yet harmoniously aligned. This abstract work explores the concept of personas— the varied faces people present in different situations as a means of adaptation, protection, or aspiration.
Through this clustered arrangement of masks, the painting reflects on the necessity and utility of adopting different roles based on situational demands. It suggests that the creation and use of these personas are not only natural but also integral to navigating social interactions.
With its rich colors and intricate details, Consecutive invites viewers to consider the multiple facets of identity and the unspoken acceptance of the masks we choose to wear, without judgment or shame. This piece celebrates the adaptability and creativity inherent in the human condition, encouraging a deeper reflection on our own varied personas.
Maternal
Oil on Canvas, 40”x40”, 2021Maternal is a surreal, evocative painting that employs the imagery of an abstract sea made up of yellow breasts, with two torsos emerging from the center, representing a self-portrait. This powerful piece captures the profound influence of maternal love and its enduring presence from childhood through adulthood. The use of yellow, a color often associated with warmth and nurture, highlights the sea of care and embrace provided by a mother.
This artwork was created during a challenging period of the artist's career overseas, symbolizing the struggle of pursuing ambitions while feeling isolated. It is a dedication to the artist’s mother, whose unwavering support and love provided the strength needed to navigate and overcome these hardships.
Maternal not only reflects the personal journey of the artist but also pays homage to the universal theme of maternal devotion that buoys us through life's turbulent waters.
Smile!
Oil on Canvas, 40”x30”, 2021Smile! is a dynamic and thought-provoking painting that captures the lively scene of two individuals engaged in a game of tag, their expressions filled with laughter and peace. Contrasting sharply with this carefree joy, sinister hands emerge from the periphery of the frame, grasping at the figures in an attempt to pull them down.
This striking visual metaphor illustrates the constant presence of external forces that threaten to hinder one's progress and joy. The irony of the serene faces amidst the chaotic struggle underscores a deeper message about resilience and the human spirit.
Smile! reflects on the notion that despite the obstacles life throws our way, the essence of living is found in the continuous effort to rise above and find joy, even in adversity. This artwork is a vivid reminder of the playful defiance required to navigate life's challenges.
