April 2023
Childhood vs Adulthood
Student
Nguyen Thu Phuong
2210SUCCP
Nguyen Thu Phuong
2210SUCCP
Specialism
Graphic Design
Graphic Design
Artist Statement
In my artistic practice, I strive to express my personal journey through two distinct artworks.
The first piece encapsulates the fears I experienced during my childhood. It portrays the piercing gaze of judgment and the hurtful words that surrounded me. This artwork represents my perspective as a young child, grappling with intangible fears. In the center of the painting, my face appears numb and fearless, yet tears stream down my cheeks. My clenched hand grasps my dress, symbolizing the underlying fear. Opposing these elements, I outwardly display a nonchalant demeanor, seemingly unaffected and unafraid. However, this facade merely masks the truth beneath.
The second artwork embodies my present self, having grown and evolved. The butterfly emerging from its cocoon symbolizes my liberation from the constraints of my past, becoming someone who no longer cares about the opinions of others and embraces self-love. As I cherish myself, I have become more beautiful, much like the vibrant and prominent wings of the butterfly depicted in the painting. This artwork aims to emphasize the significant transformation I have undergone, becoming more confident, remarkable, and free from self-doubt.
Both artworks utilize gouache paint on paper, combined with makeup tools. I incorporated my own makeup materials, such as eyebrow pencils, lipsticks, and contouring brushes, to depict the eyebrows, lips, and facial features in both pieces. This exploration with makeup as an artistic medium adds an intriguing element, as makeup is an integral part of my daily routine. By incorporating it into my artwork, I reveal aspects of myself and my identity.
Through these two artworks, I seek to share my personal narrative, reflecting the challenges and growth I have experienced. My aim is to evoke empathy, encourage self-acceptance, and inspire viewers to embrace their own transformative journeys. In the future, my artistic goals revolve around the development of a distinctive and unique art style that allows me to authentically express who I am. I aspire to create visual representations that reflect my identity, emotions, and personal experiences, pushing the boundaries of traditional techniques and experimenting with various mediums.