April 2023
Trojan Horse: A Tale
Student
Pham Tran Thuy Tien
2210SUCCP
Pham Tran Thuy Tien
2210SUCCP
Specialism
Illustration
Illustration
Artist Statement
It starts as simple as: “You have such fair skin.”
Vulnerability and intimacy often stay within personal privacy. No one knows my back is covered in
acne scars and blemishes. No one knows my skin is so easily irritated (sometimes it’s like I have hickeys on my neck), and my stomach has lines from fat folds. They gaze upon a crafted image and put me on this too-high-to-reach pedestal without knowing of my insecurities. Unintentionally, it strips off my individuality and reduces me to a one-dimensional archetype rather than a complex human being.
Complexity comes with vulnerability, and eventually, conflicts. Some people prefer to maintain their “archetype” status to avoid conflicts. If you shy away, or frown upon this artwork, then it successfully serves its purpose: to create an emotional conflict. Is showing vulnerability a forbidden thing? Is me performing an act of intimacy making you uncomfortable?
That’s what intimacy is: to reach for love and acceptance beyond your comfort zone. Don’t shy away from my imperfections, don’t shy away from your imperfections. Grab a pen, and tell your closest people to write “I love you” on your back. If we can’t be vulnerable out loud, say it quiet.
Let our archetypes go, and let us be human.