Justina Yu

Don't Be Afraid, My Child

Thesis 2022.(Winter 2022)

“I am investigating complex and conflicting emotions, major events, and my life narrative through the use of world building and imagined, fantasy landscapes that translate and interpret the places in my mind. Through the use of large scale panorama (8’ x 30’), I walk the audience through different zones and regions that represent, reflect upon, and question my past lived experiences. This idea comes from wishing that I had someone to walk alongside my younger self through the trials and tribulations of life. I use a continuous sheet of raw canvas, primed with clear gesso as my foundation in order to imitate a scroll (a nod to my Chinese heritage) and conserve the raw state of the textile. The painting starts with a serene and pure landscape drawn using graphite and charcoal to represent a quiet and nurturing childhood.As the painting and story progresses, there is a shift to pastels, watercolor, acrylic paint, and other mediums that show my progress and enrichment both in my artistic journey, and outside of it. The narrative becomes more whimsical, colorful, and complex as time passes and the painting approaches the “now.” Other than traditional landmarks such as trees, mountains, buildings, and different atmospheres, I also chose to express my kinship and experience with trauma through the use of blob-like creatures; these little “friends” are my way of processing and investigating my traumatic experiences and rearticulate its complex, comforting presence. Through the use of color, blending, brush strokes, and atmosphere, I try to create a scene that conveys personal emotions and narratives with graphic sensitivity and technical mark-making applications effectively.”