Self-Love

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Shem R.

Acrylic on stretched raw canvas

• Artist Statement

  This piece depicts a feeling of self-hatred and disgust with one’s self. You can see tears in the upper figure’s eyes as they take out their anger on the lower figure, who shows no emotion in their face even as they are punched in the face. Both of the people in the painting are me, to express the feeling of over-critique of myself. You can beat yourself up so much over something that you become numb to the critique, and ultimately that keeps you stuck in the boxing ring of your mind. This is the largest piece I’ve ever worked on, and the only painting I’ve done on raw canvas. Working on this piece was challenging, but the complex perspective made the process very fun and engaging.

• Creative Statement

  Creativity means being able to express complex feelings or experiences in a way that resonates with others.