CreatorYOWATitlePart I – Inner Workings of a Mind, A Self-portraitDate2022MediumGouache and acrylic on canvasDimensionsH. 910 mm x W. 1217mm x D. 40mmArtist StatementPart I – Inner Workings of a Mind, A Self-portrait, was a difficult painting for the artist to complete. What began as an expressive outburst of frustration, while the artist tried for her first child in early 2022, quickly altered to a painting full of warm and engaging tones, as the happy news finally arrived. Almost as soon as this news came, joy turned to sadness in the form of a missed miscarriage. The layers that followed, charted the trials of the next few months and the work became an expressive depiction of the artist's changing emotions. This realisation prompted the artist to include a self-portrait within the layers and a relaxed version of self was crafted, similar to the mask she wore during the misery of those months.Accession NumberG2023.4.1Access AdviceFor research purposes only. No reproduction without permission of Yarrila Arts and Museum.
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Exhibition Label
YOWA’s moving artworks invite us on an intimate exploration of personal experience as the artist navigates pregnancy, miscarriage, climate anxiety and ultimately, celebration of new life. Each artwork in the series unpacks a distinct chapter and narrative that is deeply personal.
Part I – Inner Workings of a Mind, A Self-portrait is the first work in the three-part series, created when the artist was trying for her first child in early 2022. With bold and expressive brushstrokes, YOWA confronts her initial frustrations towards becoming pregnant, beginning the painting with an expressive outburst. As the joyful news of pregnancy came, YOWA began to use warm and engaging tones, with relief and happiness flooding the painting. Almost as soon as this news came however, the artist experienced a miscarriage, experiencing a deep sadness.
During the months that followed, YOWA added layer upon layer to the painting charting a dark time with changing emotions. As she reflected and processed what happened, a self-portrait emerged in her work. Part I – Inner Workings of a Mind depicts the artist in a neutral state, devoid of emotion, reflecting the mask she wore during the misery of those months.
Description
Painting with self portrait, gouache and acrylic on canvas
YOWA, Part I – Inner Workings of a Mind, A Self-portrait (2022). Coffs Collections, accessed 14/10/2024, https://coffs.recollect.net.au/nodes/view/78997
