The Three Faces
Sadness
There is one face we let the world see, there is one we reveal to those closest to us, and there is one we keep hidden from all. These three expressions reflect our relationship with the world. This notion is taken from an old proverb, serving as the inspiration for my heptaptych, and binding the seven artworks with an invisible thread of shared human experience, named after distinct facial expressions.
At the core of this series are three primary pieces. The first reveals the persona we present to the world — a harmonious blend of our public engagements and collective memories. The second delves into the tenderness we reserve for our loved ones, unveiling our genuine emotions and vulnerabilities. The third showcases what we keep hidden, harboring our deepest fears, aspirations, and untold tales. These central pieces not only reflect the multifaceted nature of human identity but also carry fragments of myself, acting as a mirror to both the artist and the viewer.
Supporting these key pieces are four supplementary works, seamlessly connecting to the central theme. Together, the seven works’ titles are derived from the expressions the human face can display: fear, contempt, surprise, sadness, happiness, anger, and disgust. It's a touch of irony since my artwork intentionally avoids showing full faces, hinting at the power of the unsaid and the mystery of the unseen. While each individual piece tempts viewers to explore its own tale, collectively they trace the broad arc of human emotion. Each work is designed to be both abstract and detailed, ensuring that every angle offers a fresh perspective while preserving a sense of softness and harmony.
Adding to the collections versatility, each artwork can stand alone or can feed from a hidden synergy that allows them to connect and form larger stories. The pieces are designed to be rearranged — the outer artworks can slide beside the central trio, forming triptychs that showcase the deep ties between our varied expressions.
Imagining these works dispersing across the globe fascinates me. That they potentially scatter across distant corners of the world, mirrors the very essence of our varied emotions and shifting expressions. Like us, they will traverse varied landscapes, each piece a reflection waiting to be understood by a different observer. While they may spread out and find different homes, there's a lingering mystery: will they ever come together again? Born from a single vision, they now set out on their own distinct paths.
