Nina
My body of work explores the theme of mortality and the fragility of the human body, with a particular focus on addiction. I have created a range of 2D and 3D pieces. With these pieces I aim to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse and the importance of taking care of our bodies and minds. As my artworks showcase skeletons as the recurring motif, I also aim to challenge the traditional notions of skeletons and death, and to bring a lighthearted and playful twist to this typically macabre subject matter.
Surreal smoke marked a significant turning point in my artistic journey as it was the first piece that delved into the theme of addiction and skeletons. The artwork, a charcoal drawing of a skeleton holding a lit cigarette, portrayed a surrealistic and stark contrast between life and death. This inspired a shift in my style, as I began to create more dramatic and intense works of art, delving further into the theme of addiction. Using a monochromatic color scheme of black and white, I aimed to emphasize the darker and unpleasant aspects of addiction. As I progressed, I explored a range of materials and techniques, including acrylic paint, mixed media, and graffiti, among others, resulting in a diverse body of work.
While developing my work I became inspired by various artists. These artists influenced my work in different ways, but what particularly caught my attention was their unique and innovative approaches to art-making, as well as their ability to convey complex themes and emotions in their work. For example Van Gogh's use of vivid colors and expressive brushstrokes in his famous painting Skeleton Smoking a Cigarette was a significant influence on my approach to incorporating skeletons into my work, while Edward Hopper's focus on the loneliness and isolation of individuals in his paintings inspired me to explore the emotional and psychological aspects of addiction in my artwork, such as shown in my piece Trapped Within. Likewise Andy Warhol’s techniques inspired my series of 56 separate A4-sized canvases, each featuring a graffiti style skeleton. Similar to Warhol, my art piece explores themes of repetition and pattern using bold and brighter colors.
The arrangement and display of artworks play an important role in the meaning conveyed to the audience. In my exhibition space, the artworks were arranged in a way that tells a story and creates a relationship and connection between the artworks presented. The audience’s experience starts from the railings through the window from the level above, where they can see my Skeleton Attack piece, which immediately grabs the viewer’s attention and sets the tone for the rest of the exhibition. The next piece visible is Blended, which features three skeletons with different color palettes and is hung from a diagonal pipe running across the wall, creating a sense of movement and fluidity. Moving down the stairs and into the room, the viewer encounters Skeleton Sitting on The Toilet, the first artwork displayed at a lower level. These three large scale more colorful pieces add a playful and light-hearted element to the exhibition. As the viewer proceeds, they gradually notice the darker, more neutral themes, with a particular focus on addiction. This juxtaposition between lighter and darker themes related to skeletons creates a balance and depth in the exhibition.
Through my exhibition, I intend for the audience to feel a range of emotions, including curiosity, unease, and reflection. I want them to think about the fragility of the human body, the negative impact of addiction, and the importance of taking care of our mental health. I also want them to experience the surrealism and symbolism present in my artworks and understand how these elements contribute to the overall meaning. Overall the arrangement and presentation of the artworks in this exhibition provide a seamless transition from one piece to the next, creating a cohesive and thought-provoking experience for the viewer. The diverse range of mediums and themes explored in this exhibition aim to spark meaningful conversations and encourage consideration on these important themes present.
Stoned Skeleton (06/2022)
Found objects
14 x 12 x 17cm
Stoned Skeleton highlights the area in which drugs have the biggest effect. Once drugs enter the brain, they interfere with its normal progression and can eventually lead to changes in how well it works. In result having placed a bunch of pills filled with a cocaine-like powder in the area where originally the brain is, helps to show this impact. I believe that this artwork has the potential to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse, and the importance of taking care of our bodies and minds.
