In my dissertation, I explored some of the autobiographical works of Frida Kahlo, Louise Bourgeois and Tracey Emin. They each made work in response to their memories of traumatic events in their lives, from childhood and beyond. The more I researched these three artists, the more I felt a deep connection to them and the shared emphasis within their individual representations; the working through and coming to terms with personal trauma.
This is what I am currently engaged in with my own work. Another common thread I discovered, is writing.
Louise Bourgeois, kept a diary from adolescence onwards and in 2010 over a thousand pages of self-documentation was found in her Chelsea apartment. These were made into a book by Phillip Larratt-Smith entitled ‘Louise Bourgeois: The Return of the Oppressed’
This book is reviewed in ‘The Brooklyn Rail’ by Courtney Fiske.
Available at:
http://www.brooklynrail.org/2012/09/art_books/louise-bourgeois-the-return-of-the-repressed
Frida Kahlo, kept a diary for the last ten years of her life. It contained her thoughts, dreams and poems and was published in 2005 in a book by Carlos Fuentes.
Book Cover:
It is possible to read it online at:
http://www.american-buddha.com/frida.diary.7.htm
Tracey Emins’ book ‘Strangeland’ (2005) is a combination of her memoirs and confessions.
Hardback Book Cover: Strangeland: Tracey Emin
Paperback Book Cover: Strangeland
Words, whether in fabric or neon lights, are at the heart of much of her work.
More information available at: http://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2005/oct/30/art.biography
Words are, and have always been, an important part of my creativity and have helped me through the healing process. Long before I was able to express my emotions through images they were expressed in my poetry and song-writing. Some of these writings have inspired my recent imagery and they continue to influence my work.
I started a new painting. I want to create an image that at first glance appears to be a picture of normal family life, but all is not what it seems to be.
