Contra: A new body of work

11/22/2024

We live in turbulent times. There is no shortage of reminders of this. Our experiences, and those of others, weigh on us a daily basis, shaping our mindset, emotions and actions. My new body of work, entitled "Contra", explores the complexity of human emotion experienced as we as we all navigate the minefield that we call life.

"Contra" is from the latin word contra, which means "opposite, facing, against". When applied in the context of my work, it speaks to the kaleidoscope of feelings that beset us constantly. Oftentimes, these are contradictory and can swing from one extreme to another. We can experience joy and disappointment in the same morning. Like rivers that erode landscapes over time, life can cause wear and tear which can be both constructive and destructive.

The marks and colours used in each piece hint at the emotion. The expressions are slightly stoic as oftentimes emotions are nuanced and therefore, not easily perceived. Truly, no human is purely black and white, despite the manifestations of our dominant qualities. Underneath churns a slurry of complexity that one may never truly grasp. Knowing this can inform how we deal with each other. It can also assist us in managing our emotions which achieving a balanced view of ourselves and the world.