Exploring Emotional Dumping: A Journey of Collaboration and Growth
It’s been a week since we completed the Emotional Dumping exhibition. Two weeks seemed like a long time for the show, but considering that there were so many other events happening in Singapore, we made the right decision to have it over 2 weekends rather than just one.
Inner Child - The installation's centerpiece is a prominent "inner child" sculpture. This figure will be made from mixed media including metal, expanded foam, epoxy mortar and quick curing resin seated on real wood logs; and surrounded by a complex arrangement of string and yarn suspended from the gallery walls. The string and yarn symbolize the ambiguous direction of emotional burdens and the potentially strained relationship dynamics between the "venter" and the "listener." Additionally, embroidery on concrete components depict the "infection" of negative emotions that can occur during excessive venting. Finally, written words expressing emotions are displayed on repurposed materials like waste paper, emphasizing the harmful nature of untreated negativity.
"Stepping Outside My Comfort Zone"
When I was first invited to collaborate on the "Emotional Dumping" exhibition with artists, Christine R Bay, and Adeline Thng, I didn't anticipate how much of a personal and artistic journey it would become. Initially, I was familiar with the idea of venting but didn't realize that emotional dumping carried a negative weight for both parties—the "dumper" and the listener. I’m sure we have all been in the position of sharing our thoughts and emotions with our closest, and feeling better afterwards. But have we thought about what impact it has on the receiving side of the conversation? The theme struck me deeply as it mirrored my ongoing exploration of neglect and decay in nature, and how it mirrors the scenarios in mental health.
From Moss Rock Pins to Larger Installations
This project marked a significant step outside my comfort zone. After focusing on my moss rock brooches (which are inspired by the rain), a collection of small, detailed works, I began to produce bigger, more intricate pieces. Exploring various forms, materials, and adding additional stitching pushed my creative boundaries in fresh and stimulating ways. In my new series, Renewal’s Path and Rebirth in Fragments, I incorporated concrete and moss textures to investigate the themes of decay and regeneration, as well as to test the ways in which embroidery could add a gentle touch.
Renewal’s Path symbolizes a way to navigate through transitions and changes, inviting viewers to reflect on their own journeys and the echoes of memories they carry with them. Moss, a visual and tactile representation of renewal and healing, covers decay and neglect, transforming them into new growth. The small, pebble-like pieces act as markers, reminiscent of Hansel and Gretel's breadcrumbs trail, reminding us that even in the face of transformation, we can still find our way back. Will we hold onto these echoes, letting them guide us, or will we boldly forge new paths, always carrying a part of the past within us? Each pebble is a marker, a quiet whisper that we can return, renew, and rediscover, even as the world around us evolves.
Rebirth in Fragments - These concrete bottles, heavy with the weight of discarded emotions, serve as vessels for the burdens of emotional dumping. Over time, they decay, symbolizing the decomposition of unresolved feelings. Yet, as moss begins to grow over these discarded forms, it signifies a process of renewal—transforming what was once burdensome into a site of potential healing and new life.
The Art of Collaboration
Collaborating with other artists is always a delicate balancing act, and this experience was no different. We were three creative minds, each with distinct visions for how the exhibition could take shape. At times, it was challenging to align our ideas, but it was crucial that we focused on the central theme of emotional dumping and its impact on our mental wellbeing. Looking back, I realize we navigated these challenges by keeping our eye on the main collaborative installation, Inner Child, which became the heart of the show. We also had our individual responses to the theme that allowed us to be a bit more creative!
Lessons Learned and Missed Opportunities
While we focused intensely on the main installation, in hindsight, it's easy to see where we could have expanded the exhibition even further. "What if" moments, such as hosting an artist talk or inviting a mental health expert to dive deeper into the exhibition’s theme, occasionally crossed our minds. These events could have drawn an even wider audience and deepened the conversation around emotional dumping and its impacts. But even so, I consider the show a success.
The true measure of success as an artist, I’ve learned, is creating work that resonates with people. The most rewarding moment came when visitors approached us, sharing how the theme and pieces spoke to them on a personal level.
One significant achievement, though, was the level of participation we had in the stitch meditation workshop. The turnout was good, and the discussions we had during the session were very meaningful. Participants talked about how they found emotional relief and recovered through stitching, showing how art can be a strong tool for bonding. This practical experience turned out to be an unexpected highlight at the exhibition, showcasing the strong impact of the theme on visitors.
A New Understanding of Artistic Success
For me, this exhibition wasn’t just about stepping outside of my own artistic boundaries but also about fostering connections—both with my fellow artists and with our audience. It reaffirmed that art is, at its core, about communication. It's about creating something that helps others reflect on their own experiences, sparking thoughts and emotions they may not have previously acknowledged. That, to me, is what success as an artist looks like. What do you think?
Artwork Now Available for Adoption
Renewal's Path 10 of 11
Individually crafted concrete pebble. Embroidered by hand.
Concrete, fiber
8 x 7.5 x 2 cm
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