mflportfolio
Safety (2023) Wire sculpture, 115x134cm
This interactive sculpture is the exposition, and is supposed to represent safety under the wings of a protector, representing refuge and guardianship. Wire was used for its flexible and forgiving nature, emphasising the lengths a guardian typically goes through to accommodate those they love, and forgive them when necessary. The abstractness of the wings allows the audience to project whatever kind of wing they prefer, although the sculpture is more likely to lead the audience to see an angel wing
Against the tide (2022) Acrylic on resin, wooden bowl, 25x5cm
The use of fish to represent people is an allusion to the ichthys, and is heavily inspired by Riusuke Fukahori and Lillian Lee. We are a species that is biologically evolved to think and act in groups, thus going against the tide bears the threat of ostracization. The juxtaposition of light and dark fish is an albeit oversimplified representation (as not everything is black/white) of those who are bold enough to stand out of the crowd despite what everyone else believes to stand up for the truth.
Edge (2022) Acrylic on resin, ceramic bowl, 15x10cm
The asymmetrical style of the bowl is meant to be a shadow of the world we are in; broken and uncertain. The fish on the edge of the bowl looks like it is going to fall, being balanced on its edge. However, the fish’s resilience allows it to push through the dark times, and continue living.
Not as one, alone (2022) Oil on canvas, 140x110cm
The masterpiece, inspiration, and climax of the whole exhibition, this oil painting is a direct play on fear and hope, light and darkness. Although the subject is engulfed in darkness, she is at peace. The candle, a symbol of hope and direction, is there to show that despite how dark it is, the light always overcomes. This work is significantly attributed to Daniel Gerhartz and Henrik Uldalen, utilising impressionist techniques to convey the fluidity and delicacy of our hopes and fears and how hope can be used to overcome any fears.
Details!
A lamp through the night (2023) Mixed-media diorama, cardboard, watercolour, acrylic paint, 3D model, glass jar, electronic device, photocopy film, 26x48x32cm
Setting the scene in a dark forest evokes feelings of uncertainty and fear, not knowing what lurks behind the next tree or corner. However, the beating heart is a symbol of perseverance and life. The beating heart is to say that hope is alive and active, and despite the circumstances, will be able to overcome, lead, and find a way through the forest. The work is meant to be entrancing hence why a cardboard box was used, allowing the audience to engulf and imagine themselves in this situation.
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Dum Spiro, Spero (2022) Oil on resin, 30x20x5cm
This layered artwork is inspired by Marc Scheff, with the background starting very abstractly resembling that of an ocean or storm. This produces a double entendre, as the calming blue supported by the symbol of hope (the dove) clashes with the chaotic patterns of the resin, showing how one can still feel hope within the storms life may bring. The woman is also seen to be embracing this, looking up to say she is looking to the future - hope.
A long breath (2022) Oil on watercolour paper, A4
This painting was adapted from Cecilia, a photograph by Horacio Casadey, and is meant to convey the concept of patience and virtue. A long breath is a metaphor or idiom that indicates compliant longsuffering - waiting without complaint. She looks forward with eyes that are somewhat tired, but her pose is that of readiness, and servitude, prepared to handle anything that may go her way. Despite the difficulties and hardships in this world, this kind of character is precious and something I strive to obtain. Source: Cecilia by Horacio Casasdey https://500px.com/photo/89426539/cecilia-by-horacio-casadey
What is life? (2022-23) Photography, series of 6, B5
The series of 6 is inspired by the styles of Olga Karlovac and Toby Keller. The monochrome colour scheme emphasises the sub theme of life and death, adding an element of otherworldliness and melancholiness to the photographs, causing the audience to reminisce and think back on their lives. The use of B&W also allows the subject to look like mist, showing how life is ephemeral - but a mist that comes and goes. The series aims to cause the audience to think about the quickness of life, and consider its ephemerality
Willing hands (2023) Linocut, A3
This artwork is the resolution of the exhibition, and is meant to reveal how being a light in the darkness is to live with willing and open hands, so that you may give and receive openly. To give is to be blessed and to receive is only a consequence, although not one you should expect. A generous heart and willing hands can be a light in the darkness, helping others who need it.
