I wanted to explore the concept of human connection, specifically how our relationships with others impact us. This interest arose from my experience of moving out of my first-year university accommodation and its influence on my friendships and communication. Through this process, I examined various forms of human connection, including friendships, family ties, and relationships with colleagues at social events and intimate gatherings. I reflect on and represent the closeness of human relationships and connections through physical actions. I also consider the opposite of this through the idea of disconnection and distance, which are often associated with loneliness and a sense of invisibility.
September 2023- October 2023
'Im Here', Acrylic on cardboard, A1, 2023
'Never Still', Watercolour on cardboard, A1, 2023
The artwork on the right is a photo taken from a three-second video examining the flow of events and the natural interactions between two close friends. I chose this clip because it starts at the 2.2-second mark, showing the intended near outcome. What I appreciate about this is that it captures an intimate moment that isn’t forced; it’s honest. There is no artificial smile or pose. By creating a painting from this photo, I didn't want it to be overly detailed or fully finished. This is because it is ever-changing, much like a story, so completing it would bring the narrative to a close.
October 2023 - December 2023
'Closure', Acrylic on canvas, A2, 2023
'Distance', Oil on wood, A4, 2023
'Closure' explores the use of the technique Impasto. I was interested in using this approach to deepen the concept of connection. I cropped the image to focus on the physical body, highlighting body language and how it can provide deeper insights into the connection between two people. Impasto allowed me to demonstrate the multi-denominational understanding of connection and the lived human experience, which is more complex than just visual imagery. However, the impasto process allowed me to build up multiple layers, almost as if I were trying to cover something up, which built on the concept that there is more beyond what you see. I applied the paint straight from the tube, which made the piece look rawer and more organic.
I develop this into 'Distance', focusing on the disconnection between two people, even though they have a deep connection and close relationship outside the painting and building on how body language can impact our understanding of the connection—between others, creating a sense of ability.
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