Faculty of Art

Drawing and Painting

Asha Hall

Heart of my Sister (1)

This work uses a photo reference of my play room in my childhood home. The playroom was in the basement, giving it a slightly eerie appeal when photographed due to the confined space and lack of natural light. The image depicts a toy carrier with two dolls tucked inside, as well as their reversed reflection in the mirror behind. Deeper in the reflection, you can see the toy kitchen set shadowed int the corner, and various other toys. The composition itself seems to collapse; all angles pulling your eye inwards towards the subjects of the image.

“This room was my world as a young girl, and now, it feels small. This painting captures the colours of my girlhood, light purples and pinks that surrounded me and molded my spirit. The two dolls in the crib take a literal representation of childhood but also my desire to regress, even from such a young age. The worries of growing up always consumed my thoughts, as well as the anticipatory grief of eventually losing my loved ones. This piece in particular allowed me to briefly re-enter this space, and enjoy its playful-ness and familiarity. Later in life, this room shared itself to another, a sister but not by blood. Kyra and I shared this room and allowed ourselves to play and to dream. The title, Heart of my Sister, is for her; for the person who made (and still makes) the weight of life feel a little bit lighter. ”