Square Peg

As a young adult, having grown up with social media and advertising, I cannot help but become influenced by the idea that perfection is achievable. Growing up, I have constantly considered myself different or “other” from my peers. This inseparable part of my identity has caused me to strive for perfection throughout my life. If I was perfect, maybe I could blend into the crowd. If I were perfect, perhaps all my issues would lessen. The work I am creating is a visual representation of how the goal of trying to achieve perfection—in our work and in ourselves—is incompatible with the messiness of life.

I accomplish this in two ways: first, by using white acrylic panels that have been laser cut to create perfect geometric-shaped holes, and second, by creating abstract expressionist paintings on panels that represent the chaos in our lives. The process of assembling the works is part of the experience. While building my work, it becomes apparent that even the acrylic panel is not perfect. The closer you look, the more the defects stand out.

Ultimately I’ve come to realize that even perfection is flawed. By assembling these two components into a whole piece, the viewer is confronted with the abstract concept of perfectionism put into physical terms. I want viewers to consider how this concept of perfection affects their daily lives when viewing my work.