“Happy Now? 02, 2024” is a sculptural painting that delves into the tension between emotional pain and societal expectations. The dark underlayers of the artwork, representing the raw and unspoken pain of the artist, are painted over with bright, vibrant colors. This choice symbolizes how the world, particularly within certain cultures, often pressures individuals to cover up their sadness and trauma, presenting a smile and ‘happiness’ on the surface. The work critiques this idea of masking pain and portrays the internal conflict between embracing one’s true emotions and conforming to external expectations. Through the combination of fabric, acrylic paint, wax, medical gauze, and oil pastel, the piece reflects both the vulnerability of suffering and the forced resilience of “hiding” that suffering behind a colorful exterior.
51cm x 44cm