ARTIST STATEMENT
'Invasion' explores fragility in internal and external environments using a contemporary perspective. Inspired by Sumakshi Singh's meticulous depiction of fragility and overgrowth, Louise McNaught's use of formal artistic conventions and Kelly Stanford’s subject matter depicting an unpleasant representation of insects. My drawing and digital manipulations immerse the viewer in my selected subject matter - bees, moths and ants. I have created paradoxical notions of swarming, invasion and flourishment by creatures that are small and fragile. This self-portrait represents how my mind operates in a constant state of anxiety and chaos with a formalist approach to realistic colour and representation.
ARTWORK PROCESS
Using my identical twin sister for reference I started a graphite drawing that transformed into a large scale self-portrait with meticulous studies of real ants, moths and bees. My initial drawing explores the uncomfortable depiction of insects to heighten the viewers senses. I then created 17 film vignettes of ants, moths and bees experimenting with the way they appear and disappear to creep and crawl through my hair and across my face. I projected the films onto the graphite drawing and created a soundscape from the noises I heard at night. I wanted the imagery to invade your senses.
