Artist Statement

In this exhibit, I explore complex emotions and psychological experiences that are often difficult or uncomfortable to discuss. I created a character as a reflection of myself, allowing me to project lived experiences of insecurity, jealousy, addiction, stress, sexualization, and paranoia.

During my time in college, I went on a long journey of self-discovery and wanted to create work that would help others understand me beyond the surface. I purposefully designed the figure so that his full body is never shown, reflecting the idea that external expressions of emotion rarely capture a person's full reality. Even when we are told how someone feels, we can never fully understand their human experience. 

My studies in philosophy, cosmology, and psychology, as well as the albums The Dark Side of the Moon and Wish You Were Here by the band Pink Floyd were big influences. The pieces express the feelings, experiences, and concepts I found during my time studying, and many of the depicted themes represent emotions often labeled as weak or excessive, despite being common aspects of human life. By depicting emotions, I hope to create space for acknowledging and discussing them without judgment.

I created the works through digital illustration, using stylized lighting and color to intensify the emotional atmosphere. This medium allowed me to control texture and aesthetics, and to adjust color and lighting to best convey the mood of each piece. Through these choices, I hope to communicate my journey of self-discovery, the understanding I gained, my vulnerability, and the importance of self-discovery.

Self-portrait, 2025, Oil paint on canvas, 16” x 20”