GALLERY
An exploration of "Boundaries & Frames". State of Mind is a series of artworks that show invisible scribbles that are contained within invisible boundaries.
This is a series of scribbles done on small pieces of acrylic that can be held in one's hand. It creates a more intimate bond between the audience and the work.
This sculpture contains 20 layers of scratched acrylic, forming the image of a circle on top. It represents the different layers of chaos within the artist.
An expression of the inner state of mind. These scribbles are made permanent by scratching on paper, expressing the noises in the artist's head.
An explorations of "Boundaries & Frames". These scribbles are created using a mechanical pencil on a big piece of paper. The paper is then cut into a geometric shape, acting as a frame for the scribbles.
BIOGRAPHY
(Artist Statement)
Yi Xuan’s practice focuses on confronting overwhelming emotions that cannot be expressed through words. In Art Therapy, circles are commonly used as a means to help clients process and express their innermost feelings on a deeper level. The notion of ‘drawing in a circle’ provides a visual containment to externalise those feelings and thoughts. More often than not, we experience overwhelming emotions that are difficult to contain. In this work, the act of ‘scribbling’ within the circle becomes her representation of the contained state of mind. At a glance, State of Mind serves as a subtle confrontation for the viewers but it reveals a more violent nature upon closer inspection. Through externalising the artist’s contained state of mind, she hopes to inspire others to confront and come to terms with their inner chaos.
FINAL YEAR PROJECT
“State of Mind” is heavily inspired by art therapy. “Drawing in a circle” is a common method used in Art Therapy as a mean to help clients express and understand their innermost feelings on a deeper level.
More often than not, we come to experience overwhelming emotions that are difficult to contain.
When submerged in a situation with no words to describe such feelings, the notion of ‘drawing in a circle’ provides a visual containment to externalise those feelings and thoughts.
The act of 'scribbling' within the circle is a representation of my contained state of mind. When words fail to describe such feelings, the scribbling process allows me to confront her inner chaos.
On the contrary, the circle acts an invisible boundary containing the scribbles. These scribbles are a representation of freedom, and by restricting them within the circle it brings forth the notion of “Boundaries & Frames”.
The circle acts as a visual containment for the artist’s feelings and thoughts and more often than not, trapping ourselves in one.
Placing the acrylic sheets on the windows, the scribbles forms a blurred circle. At a glance, “state of mind” might be pleasing to look at but it reveals a more violent nature upon closer inspection.
As the audience walk by the scribbled pieces, this series of work serves as a subtle confrontation, urging them to confront and express their own inner struggles.
EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
- 2021, Imprints of the self (Group Show), dblspace, Peninsula Shopping Centre, Singapore
- 2021, Fluid Spaces (Group Show), HEARTH Art Space by Art Outreach, Singapore.
- 2021, What Does Reality Look Like (Group Show), Lim Hak Tai Gallery, Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, Singapore
- 2019, Visual Arts Trail, Day Out at Esplanade
- 2018, Tales of 3 Cities, Overseas Immersion Programme Exhibition (Group show), Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, Singapore
- 2018, Overseas Immersion Programme (OIP)
- 2018, NAFA Exploration Camp
- 2017, NAFA Open House Showcase (Group Show), Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, Singapore