When I Was a Little Girl
Nivashini N.
Compressed charcoal and charcoal pencils
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Through this piece, I wanted to explore the concept of memory in a way where young and pleasant memories, such as childhood, often become distorted, forgotten, even lost entirely when one reflects back to it in the future, emphasizing the effects of the comparatively bleak reality of growing up. Using charcoal establishes a monotone, old photograph-like setting, and the duality of black and white conveys the simultaneous presence and absence of the memory. The face of the girl may have been one of happiness, sadness, surprise, or many other expressions; by replacing her face with a gaping hole, the portrait becomes slightly unsettling, as the void challenges conventional notions of recognition and highlights the haziness of our past selves in a distant memory. Back then, what did I feel? What did I think? Who even was I? Questioning the boundaries of reflection and the mysteries that lie within, I invite the contemplation of identity through the duality of remembering as well as forgetting. By visualizing this feeling through the piece, I seek to evoke a shared sense of wonder about how well we truly know the little children residing within our memory.
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To me, creativity is a horse galloping through the fields, unburdened by norms and constraints.
It's the ability to see possibilities where others see limitations.
It's about embracing the unknown, taking risks, and allowing your mind to wander freely.
It's about challenging the status quo and daring to be different.
