“Stage Fright” is a captivating collection of thought-provoking artworks meticulously crafted over the course of a year. This series delves into the profound intricacies of ambiguity and self-negotiation while exploring the impact of privacy on human relationships. Wantaya skillfully blurs the lines between public exposure and private censorship, inviting viewers to contemplate the delicate balance of decision-making in uncertain circumstances.
Each canvas embodies a unique presence, with brushstrokes, color choices, and corrections representing moments of hesitation between abstraction and figuration. Abstraction is employed as a form of censorship, shielding the artist’s private self while granting viewers the freedom to interpret and engage with their thoughts and emotions.
The subject matter of “Stage Fright” revolves around the complexities of day-to-day interactions, ranging from gossip and rumors to cultural myths, social constructs, virtues, and introspective acts of self-reflection, penance, remorse, and repentance. This collection exudes a touch of postmodern sensibility, drawing inspiration from real events, places, and everyday experiences.
The symbolic use of stages acts as a foundation for the artworks, manifesting as platforms, walls, cage-like structures, fences, and floors. Despite their diverse forms, each stage symbolizes a space to stand upon, meticulously arranged as dioramas with focused lights casting an evocative glow upon them.
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