Primaries

Primaries (2022) was my final project for Drawing 2. This prompt was open, mirroring the introductory project, Strata. After spending time with close friends in locations that brought liminal change to my life, it got me thinking about the cycles of change I go through which are represented by the primary colors: red, yellow, and blue. I started the project with the blue section which involved quick graphite self-portraits of my current self and younger self.

The tissue paper connecting the two-dimensional busts created this clouded headspace that is weighed down by the kaleidoscope of purple, blue, and black strings that are symbolic of the thoughts that cloud my head during these cyclical changes. The red period is the anger that I feel every time I find myself in these moments. I wanted to keep this representation as symbolic as possible to emulate a feeling since the anger never is solid, but underlying and fleeting. I connected the piece to the red splatter along the throat of the portrait of my current self because this is where I feel the emotion most.
The yellow portion of the piece is the lightest part of the cycle; I decided to choose external factors that make these cyclical changes worth it in the end. These external factors end up being pencil portraits of my tangible piece of yellow; these pieces are also connected to the blue portion of the overall project with a yellow string. I connected my yellow to the eyes of the portrait of my younger self because I always noticed that that is where my joy shows up the most.

The installation of this project was the highlight of my semester. I knew I wanted to have it hang like a windchime as another symbol of these cycles' delicate permanence. So, with the help of my mentor and beloved Drawing 2 Professor, Barabara Weissberger, we set up the immersive pieces from the ceilings of the Frick Art Building. The video shows the piece fully installed.