Down Below (Leonora Carrington)
This was an important book for me as someone interested in Surrealism, mad studies, and the historiography of how women have been treated in art. It is autobiographical and gives insight into her experiences in institutionalization alongside how her Surrealist painting ideas developed. I am interested in mad studies as psychiatry and institutions have a history of acting as a system of control that continues to bleed into the present state of our world.
They Live
This film is from 1988 and highlights the idea that subliminal messaging is prevalent within our society. I liked this movie because it really got me thinking about how systems of control exist all around us.
The Nightmare by Henry Fuseli
This painting from 1781 was recommended to me by an undergrad professor, and it kickstarted my journey as a fine artist as I had previously been focused on children’s illustration. This painting got me thinking about the subconscious and how events and fears from our waking lives can overflow into every aspect of our beings. It made me think about what factors influence our daily lives, and what stays with us even when we are not consciously aware.
Navigating Homesickness through Sculpture (Do Ho Suh)
I am Inspired by Do Ho Suh and his use of technique with rubbings. I appreciate the way he builds complex narratives. He has been an important figure in my research of mixed media techniques and the importance of detail and objectivity without directly displaying the object itself.
