Optimal mental health is non-existent. The chaos of life is the result of a variety of mental processes triggered by intrusive thoughts. The paintings that comprise my body of work, are an exploration of the relation between conscious and sub-consciousness. Both, the media and dimensions for each work, change based on the density or immensity of the mental process portrayed.

 

Each work in this series portrays a variety of intense emotions. Some are darker—like the airless feeling of a panic attack—and some lighter, like the feeling of hope and fulfilment.

 

Since childhood, I have been focused on analysing the nuances of human behaviour. Later in my life,

and through my studies in psychology, I have come to realise that often people are unable to reflect and identify the intrusive thoughts that fill their psyche, thus precluding any attempt to receive the so much needed help. This dark hole can be felt by many as a hopeless place. However, my paintings express that there is light in darkness. Through the reflection of oneself with the canvas, transcendence over diminished mental states begin to be possible.  

 

When I work, I think of a white canvas as a clean, untouched territory. As a painting develops, I correlate

the act of going deeply into the surface with going deeply into oneself. Painting becomes a meditative process between myself and the canvas —a point of concentration in field self-focus.

 

My aim in these soul-stirring series is for these works to resonate with the audience by challenging and pushing the limits of our comfort zone. An apparent first-impression of discomfort leads the viewer

to unfold the intrinsic beauty and evanescence of each scene.

 

Alejandra Sieder.