Exploration of Self Through Objects and Light

Sean  Sullivan

doi:10.7273/000005209

Through interdisciplinary practice, I create abstract sculptures that serve as self-portraits. My work pulls inspiration from my childhood memories and from my current insecurities surrounding concepts of my body in space. Materials such as concrete, cement, lights, photographs, and acrylics are all combined experimentally and symbolically into objects to evoke the feelings of discomfort I have always felt in public spaces. These materials, traditionally found in architectural design and craft, are re-contextualized through my expression and manipulations of object and space. My sculptures utilize site specificity and space to represent myself. With this series of work, I am exploring the idea of self and the anxiety I feel when taking up space in everyday interactions. For me, entering a new space initially sparks the question as to where I should stand. Where exactly can I be that won’t disrupt others? This work best represents my uncomfortable feelings of taking up space and the persistent anxiety I feel every time I walk into a room. Additionally, if I am asked to sit, what chair might I sit on, and will it hold up to my size? Where can I be placed that will not take the attention of a room? How should I be positioned so that I won’t be seen as a distraction? With these questions in mind, I wanted to portray myself in a series of objects that could conceptually explore those intimate thoughts and feelings. Feeling things such as a sense of confinement and pressure coming from myself and from those around me has led me to understand that this body of work will never be finished as I will always be working on myself. During the process of creating these works, I have learned so much about myself. Going deep into the process of building, destroying, and rebuilding to get a deeper conceptual realization of self, I have gained many insights. Making mistakes and willingly letting others see those mistakes that make me who I have been a courageous act; the vulnerability that I have so desperately wanted to hide and deny is being put on display.

Exploration of Self Through Objects and Light

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