2021 Grad Show

Sophia Love

Drawing

sophiawuvheart

I am an interdisciplinary artist who creates work from my explorations of my identity and reflecting on what it means to be biracial (Chinese & Scottish and bit of Irish, Canadian) as well as a curiosity and love for the natural world in nature and animals. I have tackled numerous themes and topics in my work, in the last four years I have explored topics of escapism, reflection, feminism and environmentalism. My hope as an artist is that a community of people made from my viewers can learn to have a greater care of empathy after encountering my artwork. All of the themes I have explored tries to entice viewers to consider the constructs in society, and also reveal what the viewer may think of the topic being depicted from my art.
My practice is unique in the contemporary art world because I use my materials to bring emphasis on the art objects agency and meaning though Material Media Archaeology and Thing Theory analysis philosophy. Scholars that I have researched are Friedrich Kittler, Erkki Huhtamo, Jussi Parikka, and Bill Brown. Researching their texts have helped me make my art practice what it is today. Critical Theory has helped me create art that I can apply my personal experiences and values into a physical form in the world.
Morehshin Allahyari applies Media Archeology directly in her artwork especially in Material Speculation (2015-2016), she takes destroyed artifacts from her birthplace in Iran, and 3D prints copies of the lost object.
Ephemeral objects, materials and our experiences are key factors to discussion and memorable moments in our lives. And I similarly apply this practise in my uses of depicting historical weapons, and traditional dress in my art. By applying my research, personal experiences and love for history and nature into my exploration of myself and the world, I truly believe that reflecting and understanding the world around us leads to enlightening encounters, especially with the close consideration of my material choices causing us to reflect on what that object is or was.

Can't Sleep This piece is an exploration of my medical condition, learning that I have Sleep Apnea recently has changed my life, finally learning about what was wrong with me has made many question I had, answered. I feel emotional when I hear other people struggling with health problems that are out of there control. 56' x 30.1' Materials Acrylic on Canvas

Stunted What are the things I really need? 16.5' x 19' Materials Acrylic on Canvas

Changes

Kuewi/Wither Away This body of work talks about how for so long, Asian beauty standards have hurt so many women and have brainwashed young girls to adore those beauty standards. How can generations learn to love the inner beauty of themselves, and each other, how long will it take to dissemble a horrid legacy. 6ftx8ft Materials Acrylic on Canvas

Emersed This body of work talks about the different aspects of find "acceptance". Asian women have struggled for many generations to go against or accept the beauty standards that have been used over time. The joined legacy that Asian women have had to face, is a toxic weed that seems to constantly have been nurtured in the dark. The sisterhood is always a work in progress. Hybrid Mural Materials Acrylic on Canvas

The Damage

Moments This piece is an exploration of my performance art and the theme of " Identity & Place". I wanted to re-create the moments we have with nature. You can find the full clip on my instagram. Materials Photography Mylar Wood Oil Sticks

These Places

Violent Comfort This body of work talk about the complex topic of violence and war. As a society we seem to be in denial of violence, and let that evil continue. Materials Faux Fur Pine Wood

Punishment This piece forces us to consider the uses of objects and our actions with them. Materials Faux Fur Wood String