Insect Series
Fear, a natural and primal response, serves as a protective mechanism, keeping us alert and focused. However, it can also paralyze us, making us feel small and weak. I aim to confront and explore this primal instinct through the use of unsettling imagery of insects, diving into the depths of fear and our impulsive reaction to it. The parallel between our reactions to insects and our responses to fear creates a powerful metaphor. Just as humans seek to eradicate insects, we often strive to eliminate or suppress our fears. This exhibit becomes a conduit for viewers to reflect on their own fears, to confront them, and perhaps accept and explore fears present in other parts of life. Just as the art physically magnifies the insects, it invites the viewer to examine their fears up close and personal. My choice of insects— Spiders, fire ants, mosquitos, yellow jackets, and cockroaches— provides a universal context for my work. These creatures, though integral to the ecosystem, challenge our sense of safety and control. By presenting them in a larger-than-life scale, I amplify the unease and emphasize the inescapability of these encounters. My paintings capture not only the unsettling beauty of these creatures, but also serve as a mirror urging viewers to confront their own fears and question the instinctive reactions that may, at times, seem irrational. When it comes to my own fears, I tend to magnify them, believing the false reality that there is no escape from them. I encourage my viewers to live in the tension and accept discomfort as a part of the human experience, recognizing that within those challenges there can be elements of grace, strength, and significance.Embracing the full spectrum of human experience, both the light and the shadow, can lead to more authentic and fulfilling life.
