Curatorial Rationale

I presented this collection to explore the nature of rebellion and its implications, including the results of rebellion as well as the process. To achieve this, I used movement to portray the momentum and action needed to represent the complexities of rebellion. I used a combination of movement from figures, texture, and color to portray its dynamic nature and its intricate layers that are indicative of rebellion's unique characteristics. The goal of my artistic exploration is to encourage the reader to question the origins of rebellion, recognize the characteristics of rebellion, and self-reflect on their acts of rebellion.

The element of movement within my works takes on many different forms, presenting itself traditionally as well as untraditionally. In some cases the movement is a mere physical representation of the nature of rebellion, in others, there is a literal connection between the theme of movement and the content. In the more traditional representation, viewers will recognize explicit movement surrounding my two dance figures. In Deconstructed Dancer and Leap, there is an immense amount of energy within the work. Both figures were created as if it was a snapshot of their performance; a freeze-frame of their movement. The explosive energy that these dancers emote creates a sense of urgency and a physical representation of rebellion. Rebellion is a bold and intentional choice, mirrored by the dancer's movement. While the theme of these pieces relates to social movements, gender equality, and sexual harassment, the physical movement of the pieces stands alone as a pillar of rebellion, regardless of the content. Shifting towards more nuanced forms of movement, Land of the Free offers a still image with movement found only in the texture of the bow. The gradient from red to grey along with highlights of white, creates a dynamic flow, emphasizing the 3-dimensional qualities of the bow. The juxtaposition between the bow and the static, eerie posture of the figures highlights a silent rebellion. Though the overall piece appears still, from within there is a bubbling desire to break free, hence its existence as support for my theme of the Nature of Rebellion.

In addition to the use of movement, color was an integral principle of art that unified my collection. The key accent color red seamlessly adds harmony, creating powerful yet nuanced pops of red, which refers to the varying scales of rebellion. While rebellion can be overwhelming and momentous, Deconstructed Dancer, it can also be subtle, Leap. Small notes of red such as the text in the photomontages perpetuate unity under the notion that rebellion is a dynamic act.

Beginning my collection with Deconstructed Dancer, the scattered shapes and bold color create an heir of confidence that concretizes my theme of rebellion. Stay Safe immediately follows, establishing continuity with its eerie features in addition to the verbal message which introduces the sub-theme of shutting-down and opening-up. My next work, Land of the Free, materializes this sub-theme, as the content is a gift-box. The dark nature of the children within triggers the journey of rebellion as they peer out at the viewer while the bow atop grows in rebellious energy. Extending the chaotic nature of the bow, Leap is intentionally placed next to represent the product of growing rebellion. The power in the dancer's leap in combination with the reminisce of the red bow wrapped around her legs marks a breakthrough in rebellion, however, she is still tied to the remnants of past struggle. Mirroring the dancer's rebellious movement, the next work is Vote. The physical nature of a butterfly's movement combined with the fluidity of the embroidery thread perpetuates the progression of rebellion. The word creates a call-to-action, engaging the viewers in the final stages of the collection. Transitioning to the product of this call-to-action the next three works, Who Run the World I, II, and III, depict the people on the streets using their voice and the right to protest as a form of rebellion. These pieces are of the most literal in the collection which is why I’ve placed them towards the end. The third photo montage depicts a plane signifying the departure of the theme, bringing the collection to a close and the final piece. My last composition emphasizes the timeline linked to rebellion, emphasizing the call-to-action and signifying that rebellion should have already begun. The overall journey throughout my collection begins in the abstract and ends in the present, calling on the viewers to take the abstract and make it a reality, creating their own rebellion.