Faculty of Art

Experimental Animation

Shania Sukhai

Loss of Self

A haunting exploration of psychosis, Loss of Self dissects the unraveling of memory and identity through immersive visuals, animated light, and mechanical movement — tracing the fragile path from chaos to connection.

“ Loss of Self is a three-part installation that explores the disorienting experience of psychosis and the fragmentation of personal identity. Drawing from my own experiences and cultural background as a Canadian-Guyanese artist, this work reflects on what it means to lose one’s sense of self—forgetting who you are while being haunted by painful memories, intrusive thoughts, and overwhelming confusion. The installation unfolds in three stages: a lenticular print that evokes the sensation of splitting identity and internal conflict; a light-reactive animated drawing influenced by RGB/CMYK interplay, representing religious delusions and psychological turmoil; and a laser-cut flipbox machine symbolizing the redemptive role of care and community in recovery. Each piece draws from personal stories and academic influences, including artists Philippe Blanchard and Helenya Apostolou, and merges experimental animation with tactile processes. Thematically, the work explores the chaos of mental illness, the isolation it brings, and the hope that comes through empathy and connection. Loss of Self invites viewers into a deeply vulnerable narrative—one that acknowledges pain, but also the beauty in being pulled back from the edge by those who choose to care.”

Loss of Self- Lenticular Piece (left 45 degree angle)

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Loss of Self - Lenticular Digital Drawing

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Loss of Self - Lenticular Piece (center)

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Loss of Self - Lenticular Digital Drawing

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Loss of Self - Lenticular Piece (right 45 degree angle)

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Loss of Self - Lenticular Digital Drawing

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Loss of Self - Light Reactive Piece (no LED lights)

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Loss of Self - Light Reactive Drawing (CMYK)

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Loss of Self - Light Reactive Piece (Red LED, Cyan Pencil Crayon)

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Loss of Self - Light Reactive Drawing (Cyan)

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Loss of Self - Light Reactive Piece (Green LED, Magenta Pencil Crayon)

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Loss of Self - Light Reactive Drawing (Magenta)

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Loss of Self - Light Reactive Piece (Blue LED, Yellow Pencil Crayon)

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Loss of Self - Light Reactive Drawing (Yellow)

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Loss of Self - Flip Box Machine (Right Side View)

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Loss of Self - Flip Box Machine (Three Quarter View)

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Loss of Self - Flip Box Prototype

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Loss of Self - Flip Box Machine (Front View)

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Loss of Self - Flip Box Prototype

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Loss of Self - Flip Box Machine (Left Side View)

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