‘What Now?’, 2024, x3 naturally based painting mediums on canvas and wood.
Throughout my academic journey, I have largely steered clear of contemporary painting. My aversion to the plasticity and environmental impact of conventional paints contributed to my hesitance regarding this project. To address these concerns, I resolved to create my own paints, using materials like ash, rocks, clay and shells, aiming for a broader range of textures and a more sustainable approach. As I embarked on a series of paintings that explored the potential of my homemade pigments and paints, I sought to infuse a thematic element into my work. As previously mentioned, my focus shifted towards contemporary global issues, particularly the sorrow, suffering, and loss experienced by those affected by war. I was particularly moved by an image of a mother and child embracing, which inspired me to create a textured, gritty atmosphere in the background using Polyfilla, symbolizing the rubble and devastation surrounding them, with their mutual light serving as a source of comfort. Motivated by such an authentic and visceral theme, I believe I have highlighted a question that merits consideration by all: ‘What is the purpose of it all?’ With this perspective, I feel that my exploration of this theme is far from complete, and I aspire to weave it into my future artistic endeavours.