Sensory playground to evoke memories

This exhibition aims to examine the connections between art, the artist and childhood memories. Childhood experiences and memories shape our sense of self and our relationships with others and the world around us. The pieces in this exhibition have grown out of the journey to interpret and express my childhood spent on three separate continents, living within three different cultures, experiencing the joys and struggles of learning, playing and creating in multiple contexts and in multiple ways. The exhibition invites the viewer to reflect on their own childhood experiences and their role in shaping those connections.

The collection is influenced and inspired by three artists: Mike Kelley, Alma Thomas and Do Ho Suh. Mike Kelley was an American artist known for his unique approach to creating art - across genres - often repurposing everyday objects to create artistic expression. A series of his that first caught my attention was one made with stuffed animals collected from thrift shops. His art captures childhood and memory to me, mixed with a sense of pop culture and some irreverence. The second artist who inspired my collection is Alma Thomas. Thomas was a Black female expressionist painter who lived and worked alongside the American civil rights movement. Her work is bold, colourful and speaks to developing connection despite structural boundaries. Finally, Do Ho Suh is a South Korean artist whose artwork and installations explores concepts of home, identity and memories - all ideas that I wanted to develop in my artwork.

A key theme of this collection is the use of texture in the artworks on display. Texture allows viewers to connect with the art on a sensory level. We have a natural inclination to touch and examine things about which we are curious; texture invites us to do that. The tactile elements in a piece of art can evoke emotions in a way that is different from visual cues, such as colour or form. For example, a rough, scratchy surface might remind us of a childhood memory of playing in the dirt. Texture also adds depth and dimensionality to an artwork, allowing it to come alive and engage the viewer on a new level. By incorporating artwork with a variety of textures, from the smooth and polished to the rough and organic, the exhibition creates a multisensory experience that resonates with viewers on an emotional level. The interaction between the viewers and the artworks is meant to leave an impression on both parties. As more people explore and manipulate the art, they will affect the experience of the viewers that come after them.

The textures in the artwork allow the viewer to feel the playfulness and emotion that I put into my works on a more tactile level. The interaction aspect of the pieces in the collection recreates the memory and atmosphere of the interactive sections of museums that I visited across the world as a child. I vividly remember going to science and art museums in different countries where I was allowed to play and experiment with different shapes and textures. The sensory experience enhanced the way I interacted with the museum and created a personal and deeper connection with the exhibition content. The process of creating the artwork for this show evoked a similar sensory memory and a deep connection to childhood for me as an artist. The materials used throughout the collection add to the playful and childish experience of the art. I mainly used acrylic paint mixed with various substances (e.g., gravel, salt and flour). Further, I was able to experiment with various techniques such as gold foiling and cut-outs, and I embellished the works with hot glue, yarn and pom poms. The mix of materials offered the possibility to discover new textures and combinations - showcasing the creativity that can come from using the simplest of materials.

Ultimately, my vision for this exhibition is to create a ‘sensory playground’ of texture and memory. I want the viewer to connect with the art on more than just a visual level. I want them to experience the textures and colours - and within the art, to remember the simple joys of childhood memories.