IB.DP2 VISUAL ARTS EXHIBITION
MY SPIRITUAL JOURNEY
Spirituality has always been the core of my values and main motivator for my growth as an individual. When embarking on this journey, I had recently relocated to a foreign country, Azerbaijan, for international education after years of settling in my country of origin, Trinidad. Without a sense of footing to integrate into a new community, meet higher academic standards and establish my own identity among strong presences, I lacked emotional stability to overcome daily challenges. Identifying the need for support in my wellbeing and self concept was pivotal as it was then evident I was ready to evolve from my past patterns of negative thinking, unhealthy standards and an unconfident mindset in order to become the best version of myself.
The first three pieces ‘Self Sabotage, ‘The Mortal’s Journey’ and ‘Death and Rebirth of the Ego’ are the first part of my journey entailing my previous approach before adopting any faith. It was a stage where I relied on my negative habits in daily life. ‘Emotional Isolation’, ‘The Hermit’ and ‘Constructing a Haven’ replicates this process of reaching to certain gods for guidance through prayers and traditions. I often spent time by my alter in order to create a peaceful, healing space. As a result viewers can view my transitions of discovery, meditation and construction. ‘Transmutation of Cursed Energy’, ‘Reflection of Mahadev’ and ‘Astrological Transformation’ represents the awakening I had towards adopting the teachings I currently follow. The last two of the collection; ‘Armoured Angels’ and ‘House of Divinity’ unite all the beliefs I’ve gathered along the way (Hinduism, Paganism, Taoism, Buddhism, Christianity . The challenges in this process involved the development of my technical skill as I envisioned each piece to follow realism. However later in the course I decided to take the risk of being more experimental with some abstract techniques as well since it would further enhance my concepts for the viewer’s understanding and appreciation. It additionally brought in more of my artistic initiative, and visualised feelings. Therefore even with less structured methods, my emotions and point of view draws the attention of the viewer to resonate with my journey.
This exhibition represents why I have continued art throughout my entire childhood to this present day; connecting with communities through genuine and expressive forms of creation to then evoke their most vulnerable, positive and grown versions of themselves. Even if the viewers themselves do not resonate with my beliefs or any kind of faith, I hope for them to embark on a fulfilling journey that gives them strength and passion for their everyday life.
(Selling now!!! Contact via tiktok - junoverse.studio or email below if interested/more details)
1st stage : Human exploration
Self Sabotage
Inspired by the novel ‘Daughter of the Moon Goddess’ where an archer,Xingyin doubts herself during training in the Celestial Kingdom. Therefore this piece replicates the same universal feeling of self sabotage. Although a subtle issue, the close proximity of the arrow to the resting archer implies the possible harm to our mental health and potential as our best selves.
The Mortal's Journey (painting)
note: death and rebirth of the ego mask not for sale
The beholder of death and rebirth is the only one aware of the mortal’s journey while the humans in the car are being driven to their final destination which they have given no thought to. They live based on egotistical beliefs and materialistic wealth, invoking the debt of karma to be paid in their next lives. Such symbolism prompts us to find more fulfilment through inner joy and become more appreciative of the short lifetimes we have.
2ND STAGE: HIBERNATION
The Hermit
Derived from tarot cards, ‘The Hermit’ represents rest and isolation from the material world in order to cultivate inner growth, often through spiritual means. Many obstacles can try to disrupt this deep meditation but this can be overcome with continued efforts to focus and connect.
Emotional Isolation
Upon early adoption of spiritual truths, an emotional barrier forms between yourself and everyone else. Certain things of the material world aren’t enjoyable anymore and it becomes harder to connect what you’ve previously known. The desire for belonging and relatedness with humanity has now been replaced for the want in connecting to unknown higher powers.
3rd STAGE: REALIZATION
Constructing alter
Entering the hermit state can be considered an act of declaring you are ready for great changes and reaching out for that guidance. When I began to form that connection, I gathered offerings appropriate for each deity of different faiths to show reverence and gratitude for their help in such an emotionally rigorous part of my self growth journey
Transmutation of Cursed Energy
Adopted from the anime series Jujutsu Kaisen by Mappa Studios, the cursed energy (mist) manifested from a range of negative emotions. Although the energy is about to consume your heart as a result of reaction to challenges in the mortal world, sources of divinity transmute the damage of your wounds. They then become crystalized forms of your resilience. It similarly follows the saying of diamonds forming under pressure as future strength could not have been developed without past pain.
The Reflection of Mahadev
I started my spiritual exploration by connecting to my family’s religious practice. Since I was exposed to it throughout childhood, it became familiar enough to use as a starting point in my growth. I was highly influenced by the strength and power of Lord Shiva in particular to cultivate my own presence. After reaching out through prayers and traditions, I grew more confidence in my identity.
Astrological transformation
After a period of rigorous healing, I felt a sense of awakening to following spiritual teaching and a more holistic view of life.Similarly to ‘the Hermit’ stage, at this I resonated with another tarot card ‘The Tower’ which forms a state many call ‘The tower stage/moment’. It describes patterns and connections of the past being removed from our lives when ready for new beginnings.
Armored Angels
During my journey I began relying on various archangels as a form of energetic and emotional protection. I integrated another one of my beliefs Taoism, honoring how much more grounded and at peace I became with them in my space. Specifically the rainbow background and purple tones reference some of the mantras I use as part of my practise (Tao Rainbow and Purple Light Balls as visualisation to connect). This piece references divinity always ready to help, heal and guide no matter the state we come towards them in.
House of Divinity
Since growth is a continuing journey, I aspire to keep connecting with my beliefs and remain in a space of fulfilment. As I feel my altar for my different kinds of devotion develop, it is no longer just the foundation of layouts being constructed previously but now a stable sacred space resembling a grand home I can keep cultivating.