DRAWING , PAINTING & COLLAGE

The self I present to the world often feels like a mask—a facade carefully constructed to portray a very specific image of myself: calm and confident, well-adjusted and mature, knowledgeable and wise. Through this piece, I wanted to explore the aspects of myself I hide from others or even myself: my fears and insecurities; the anger, grief, disappointment, and resentment that threaten to overwhelm me if not properly bound and hidden away; the hopes, goals, and desires I don't allow myself to reach for. My outward-facing facade is represented by a portrait of myself, serene and entirely put-together. However, bleeding gashes mar my neck, gut, and heart, revealing the chaos hidden within, symbolized through collaged images representative of emotions and insecurities I never allow out in the open.