There are many ways to define the word vulnerable, as there are many different ways to experience it. The topic of vulnerability is vast, one that I often found myself struggling with how to portray in works of art. One of the main focuses of these works is to draw attention to the physical and mental aspect of this theme. How can one show how their feelings on the outside? How does the body show signs of vulnerability? Mimicking the way my mind turns when it's in a state of vulnerability, muddled and sometimes clear with memories or emotions. As author and Professor Brene Brown says in her book Rising Strong, "Vulnerability is not winning or losing, it's having the courage to show up and be seen when you have no control over the outcome. Vulnerability is not weakness; it's our greatest measure of courage". I definitely tried to interpret this through my work, by putting my face ‘out there’ where normally I would be discouraged to look like that in-person once lockdown ends.
Brown, B 2015, Rising Strong, Penguin Random House Publishing, New York
Vulnerable in the Night, 2020
Oil painting
711mm x 500mm x 40mm
Reflect, 2020
Oil painting
711mm x 500mm x 40mm
