ARTIST STATEMENT
Heart explores the concept of visualizing emotions in a way that makes them more comprehensive and intuitive to the viewer. In a global survey, one in three Year 12 students have psychological problems, and among these emotions is a mix of the desire for freedom and the fear of reality, anxiety, and depression. I wanted the work to resonate with the soul and tell their stories in words instead of words. Thin black lines alternate and twist around each other, the overlapping lines creating an unmistakable sense of oppression, as if plunged into a dark fog of danger.
ARTWORK PROCESS
Tong was deeply inspired by the CHIHARU SHIOTA exhibition. She worked methodically to create her installation, she opted for an intimate scale after exploring the use of a room scale installation. She exploited range of approaches with a range of media, wanting to produce a piece that was light weight yet had strength and stability. The heart hangs tenuously in the space, suspended by almost drawn lines which create space and compartments of emotion and anxiety.
