In Two Minds Joshua Miels Solo Exhibition In Two Minds explores the
We all portray and mask emotions in various ways, on the
emotional state of mind we attempt to shield from society,
assumption that we are being judged on face value.
and how a face is often a façade. For one to truly understand what someone is going through
I look to challenge this assumption. Through my portraits
can prove to be a difficult task. When we look at
I aim to express the ambiguity of physical emotion by limiting
someone we believe we can read their inner emotions.
what feelings my subjects portray. These large-scale
A face can express an array of feelings from happiness to
paintings of males, most of who I know personally appear
sadness - we can appear composed in the toughest of situations if we wear the right mask. In Two Minds deals with the actions and emotion we portray to mask inner
somewhat nonchalant. Unable to immediately relate with direct human emotions, viewers look past what they see at
turmoil and emotional hardship.
face-value, prompting people to question the real individual.
People give false fronts, to give the illusion that they are fine.
As a male with a family history of anxiety, addiction and
This is particularly true with males. Men are still being asked to live up to old fashioned expectations – be strong, be brave, be protective. Many of these things may be unattainable for
depression I have witnessed first-hand how people can fool even those closest to them. They are torn between
individuals and this can be particularly emotionally damaging.
two-minds – one is the real-self and the other the way society
As the poet E. E. Cummings wrote, “The greatest battle we
wants us to be. Choosing which state of mind to be in can be a
face as human beings is the battle to protect our true selves
difficult task.
from the self the world wants us to be.”
Man in the mirror, 160cm x 130cm, 2016, $5500
Left hand side Closer to the edge - 160cm x 130cm, 2016, $5500 Vans - 160cm x 130cm, 2016, $5500 Long hard road - 160cm x 130cm, 2016, $5500
Right Hand Side The producer - 160cm x 130cm, 2016, $5500 Omega - 160cm x 130cm, 2016, $5500 How much for cash - 160cm x 130cm, 2016, $5500