Pang!
Graphite on Paper

Menagerie
Foamboard, Wire, Yarn,

This is a set of work that consists of a clay sculpture and a graphite drawing. The clay sculpture is shaped like an onion, and the core of the onion is a ham-color embryo, resting in a fetal position. This half of the work symbolizes the genesis of one’s identity. While the graphite drawing describes the landscape of the artist's psyche. The center features a depiction of a girl with a deer-like torso. She is an allusion to “Pan”, who is the Greek god of the wilds. Its center position and gold tinted nimbus emphasizes the figure, for the reason that she symbolizes desires which construct one’s identity. The right side has plenty of marine elements. This part represents a state of self isolation and the feeling of being “underwater”. The act of consciously isolating oneself is a direct path to reflection and contemplation. Though sometimes it feels rather sapping, its importance remains constant. The left side portrays a character in various forms. Starting from the bottom, the two-headed figure resembles a sense of duality and ambivalence that lies within one’s identity. A wounded arm is reaching out with a key, towards the center figure, this represents the hope to form genuine and intimate connections with other individuals. Moving up, the one seemingly held in capture (behind a round window) is representing the debilitating fear of rejection. While the moon-like form speaks a sense of “higher self”, it’s a representation of the ultimate and ulterior ego, looking down with absolute apathy.

In French, “menagerie” means a collection of wild animals, which represents the artist’s struggle between choosing from her intrinsic, “untamed” desires and external expectations that are conventional and “docile.” The hat reinforces this concept. It is intentionally built like a cage, and the candle hanging inside symbolizes the innate expressiveness. The petticoat (a found object) is also part of the reinforcement, the color of it emphasizes the bleakness of the seemingly easier path—-that is giving up on one’s dream and carry on living life with no vocation. While the petticoat’s nature of giving an attractive shape to the outer layer is being juxtaposed for the viewers. In the context of this piece, the petticoat plays the role of a grey cloud, which foreshadows an imminent downpour, that can end up as a tragic/epic. Its shape also literally create space for one, which prevents warmth and closeness from the outside. The act of taking off the hat and the petticoat symbolizes a form of liberation, a moment of bravery and triumph, since “letting go” is simultaneously daunting but also invigorating. This is to reveal the gallery as well, which represents the artist’s self identity (showcased through the artworks inside).