Introduction: Emotion as the Core of Artistic Exploration
Emotion is a fundamental yet elusive aspect of human existence. It defines our interactions, influences our decisions, and often operates in the background, shaping our perception of reality. In my artistic practice, I am particularly drawn to the fluidity of emotions—their transient nature, their intensity, and their subtle shifts. Through material experimentation and conceptual exploration, my work seeks to visualize the intangible—to give form to the fleeting yet powerful emotional states that define human experience.
The FOCUS series was born from this inquiry, evolving as an exploration of emotion as process rather than a fixed state. Rather than capturing singular, frozen emotions, I am interested in how feelings transform over time, how they merge, overlap, and dissipate. This dynamic nature of emotions—moving from subtle unease to overwhelming intensity, from calm to agitation—forms the foundation of my creative research.
The Personal Experiment: Using Myself as the Subject
In this body of work, I position myself as both the observer and the observed, using my own emotional experiences as the starting point. I do not seek to artificially induce emotions; instead, I allow them to emerge naturally, responding intuitively to my internal state at any given moment.
Each phase of my work represents a different state of emotional flux—moments when I am aware of changes within me yet struggle to fully articulate them. These states manifest as distinct artistic symbols, each carrying a unique emotional resonance. Some works may appear structured and restrained, reflecting moments of self-control, while others may feel chaotic and unfiltered, mirroring emotional turbulence.
Rather than aiming for emotional extremes, I focus on micro-shifts—the subtle, often unnoticed changes in feeling that shape our perception of the world. By translating these shifts into artistic form, I invite viewers to engage in their own introspective process, recognizing emotions as continuous, evolving experiences rather than isolated moments.
Material Experimentation: The Language of Emotion
In my practice, materials are not passive tools but active participants in the artistic process. Different materials inherently carry emotional weight—soft fibers evoke warmth and fragility, rigid metals suggest strength and resilience, organic elements reflect impermanence and decay.
By juxtaposing contrasting materials, I explore the tensions between emotional states. A piece incorporating delicate, ephemeral elements alongside industrial rigidity might represent the coexistence of vulnerability and resistance, while layered textures can signify the complexity of suppressed emotions. These material choices are never arbitrary; they serve as a tactile vocabulary, allowing emotions to be expressed in ways that transcend verbal language.
Exhibition and Audience Engagement: Inviting Reflection
The first public presentation of the FOCUS series took place at MUMO Gallery, where I designed the space to encourage direct engagement between the artworks and the audience. Unlike traditional exhibitions where viewers passively observe, this setup invited them to confront, question, and reflect upon their own emotional responses.
The exhibition format emphasized that the act of focusing itself—the conscious engagement with emotional states—is at the heart of this project. More than just a visual experience, the series functioned as an invitation to awareness.
Through this series, I challenge the notion that emotions should be categorized or suppressed. Instead, I seek to create a space of acceptance, where emotions—whether fleeting or overwhelming—are acknowledged and explored as integral to the human condition.
Conclusion: The Power of Emotional Awareness
In an era where rapid digital communication often prioritizes efficiency over depth, taking the time to focus on emotion is a radical act. My work serves as a reminder that emotions are not mere reactions but profound forces that shape our identities, interactions, and artistic expressions.
Through material experimentation and conceptual inquiry, I aim to cultivate a space where emotional awareness is not only validated but celebrated. By embracing the fluidity of emotions, we open ourselves to deeper self-understanding and richer creative experiences—both as artists and as human beings.
