Grace Hannah

Curatorial Rationale

For my exhibition I chose to display several pieces that I thought showed my artistic skill, in addition to my creative intent. As an artist I have always struggled with what I make - primarily how I feel about it, and how I feel it will be perceived. This perfectionist mindset is the one thing that has continuously held me back in my art, and in life. With this selection of art in my show, I tried to escape caring too much about fine lines and details, and focus more on conceptual ideas. 

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Most of the time in my work, I strive to delve into the inner workings of my mind and show how I feel, whether it be presenting current thoughts and feelings or long-lasting deep fears and overwhelming emotions. With the work I presented here, I am not assured that it shows the true depth of emotions that I want to present, but it is a start, nonetheless. 

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In my art, I want to gain confidence to explore new styles and methods to express the feelings and emotions I wish to highlight. I know I’m supposed to be discussing the work I’ve placed in this show, and what I did right, but I can’t help but feel that I could’ve done more to show my true artistic “colors”. As I continue with my art in the future, I will slowly try to focus on my creative side, to truly encapsulate the feelings that I want to depict, without stressing too much about precision and perfection. 

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In regards to the work I am showing in this exhibit, you may be looking at it all and thinking it does not quite all go together, and you would be right. As shamefully incohesive as it ended up to be, I am still somewhat proud of it all, together. This bunch of art represents how crazy and chaotic the past year has been for me, mentally and artistically. 

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I have had a very experimental and frustrating experience trying to find myself as an artist, and the mismatched-ness of the works I have presented here represent that well. I think showing growth throughout my artistic journey is important, and I have to start somewhere; rather than pretend that I have it all figured out, I would rather be straightforward and honest with myself. My art is something that I enjoy making, despite how self-critical I can be towards it and despite any mental roadblocks I may face. I am blessed to have the opportunity to make whatever I want and put it on display for others to see. I hope you enjoy viewing the works I have created for my art exhibit this year.