I am originally a painter, but this drawing installation is my new approach and an experimental piece.

I am recently intrigued by a concept of introversion. Introversion is originally a psychological term describing a personality of a quiet person who rarely exposes themselves to the public. According to Carl Jung (who invented this term), an introvert is a person who is drawn to the inner world of feelings and thoughts. Introverts are considered as quiet, independent, highly sensitive, thoughtful, and having social anxiety. In other words, introverts prefer spending time alone at home or being with close friends and family. This drawing installation explores the psyche and realm of the introverts, and shows interior life of an individual and self, not only how others see them. Introverts are not as shy, reticent, and self-centered as people normally understand. They have a rich inner world, great imagination, and creativity, sometimes more than many people. This piece addresses a personal space, memories, and affections of myself as an introvert. I am also dealing with how an introvert’s mind functions and other sensory experiences, not only the visual.

Every artwork and object in this installation is symbolic and has metaphors; each forms, position, and material has a specific meaning, which is all related to introverts. The title of the piece “Reminiscent Conservatory” derives from a memory, thoughts, and feelings of one person, which can only be stored inside. There is no exposure if there is nobody asking about them. What is happening inside an introvert’s head during alone time?  Being alone is not the same meaning as being lonely. Spending time alone is the best chance to recharge, be calm, relax, tranquilize and considered a comfort. It is the moment that allows the self to be fully drawn into the thoughts, feelings, creativity, along with dreams and unconsciousness.

I primarily used pieces of paper as materials because of its raw, roughness, simplicity, and imperfection captivating me as it divulges an authenticity of a personality. On the main wall, I tried to contemplate a wintery night sky, which depicts solitude and how this state is more accessible to the unconscious, dream image, and fantasy. The white circular panel with blue edge is located in the center as a center towards an individuation. The vibrant green area in the middle, portrays a phenomenon of northern light, which is considered rare and unpredictable. The intensity and saturation of color divulges an intricacy of an inner world. Seascape drawing below depicts a compilation of memories. They seem mismatched but simultaneously synthesizing together.

I crafted drawings in miniature size of natural forms, food, animals, landscape, and some abstractions that reveal comforts, and affections. I considered the moment of being alone or being with the close ones, and what make these recollections meaningful. These drawings are covered and layered by a translucent paper. My intention is to evoke social anxiety or dislike to exposure of themselves to unknown people. The drawings can be seen by gently touching the translucent paper, which is an accurate way to treat introverts. They prefer to be treated in a proper and polite way. The layers also bring elusive effects to the drawings as well. These drawings incorporate with photographs, which were taken by film camera. The reason I used film over digital because of its unpredictability and, slow and manual process related to the way of how thoughts and feelings are processed. It is a way of thinking more and talking less.

A futon mattress, two pieces of memory foam, and two cushions are covered by bed sheets on the floor. These items convey an enjoyable activity in solitude. Additionally, the bed sheets and mattress can be depicted as a sign of social anxiety called “Clinomania”. The wrapped wine and coffee bottles with dried flowers illustrate the high sensitivity and complexity of a psyche. I am not only employing them as decorations.

An owl figure is turning its back at audiences and facing the wall. This gesture depicts the dislike of meeting or having to know unknown people. An owl is a symbol of wisdom and death as well. The scent from a diffuser is one of the most important parts of the piece. A scent of lemongrass emanating from the aroma diffuser and enhances a relaxing atmosphere, and activates the sense of smell as art.

Sound is also a leading part of the installation. I chose a sound of nature intermixing with a pinch of fantasizing instrumental sound. It is sound that can be heard when walking into a forest at night incorporate with enchanting instruments. I selected each sound and make a combination of river flowing, owl, cricket, and some “magical” sound effect altogether. The importance of the sound is that it can intensify an evocative, dreamy and placid environment. Two beanbag chairs are also included as a part of the installation as they make a sound as well.

In the making of the piece, there are flaws and imperfection. These show a true self, an authenticity, and reality of a person. Simultaneously, there are some atmospheric factors and reveries in the piece as well. There is a thin line between reality and fantasy inside a person’s mind. The perception and process of thoughts and feelings is quite common; only introverts tend to have more than others.

A piece invites people to participate in my drawing installation. There are few rules for audiences. The reason is mainly to prevent damage to the work. The most important thing is to allow each person to fully appreciate the sensory experiences and environment inside.

            The piece can only hold three people at a time and only three minutes is allowed for each person. Before entering the piece, people have to take off their shoes because most of the entire floor is covered by white bed sheets. No food and drink are allowed inside the piece either. There is also a sign at the front that mentioned “No entry without permission” which means or to control people if they are not following the rules or in case number of people inside reaches the limit.

Despite the fact that how crowded an Open Studios event is, there is another concept behind this intention of having rules and instructions. It can also be interpreted as a way to repel people. This idea applies to one of the introvert’s most important personality traits.