CORE contemporary art

The Age of (Un)Innocence

Solo Exhibition:-

Danielle Lin

5th November – 29th November 2024

Core Design Gallery @ SJCC Gallery

*Click on images to zoom in

Innocence finds its way to unify the outgrown maturity

Innocence—a word symbolizing purity—often reminds us of our younger selves or our youth. Most “mature” individuals are familiar with the idea that “innocence” is frequently linked to “youth.” But what exactly are youth and innocence? These two concepts resonate deeply within us, especially as we experience subtle changes in our thoughts, manners, acceptance, and language.

Danielle Lin (b. 2001) felt these shifts keenly as she entered young adulthood. Overwhelmed by a surge of intense emotions, she found herself grappling with self-doubt, unpredictable challenges, difficulty expressing her thoughts, and growing anxieties about her future. This inner turmoil sparked a deep exploration of her identity, pushing her to confront these emotions directly. Through this journey, Danielle began to uncover the contours of self-discovery, learning to navigate the uncertainties of young adulthood with a newfound resilience and insight.

“The Age of (Un)Innocence” is a series of paintings that captures the bewildering journey from childhood to adulthood, reflecting the complex and often absurd nature of reality. This transition is filled with moments where what we once saw as true becomes uncertain, revealing the gaps between how we expect things to be and how they actually are. The series examines a young adult’s awakening to a world where even the most beloved community members face unexpected misfortunes, and opportunities aren’t always earned, but given due to connections. Through these paintings, Danielle challenges the viewer to reconsider the reliability of the structures around us, encouraging reflection on a society that can feel as arbitrary as a child’s dream after a sugar rush.

Danielle uses dreamlike elements – dolls, teddy bears, and the occasional self-portrait—to present exaggerated versions of real-life situations. These characters act as avatars within a staged reality, echoing the uncertainty that comes with navigating adulthood. By placing these whimsical figures in bizarre yet familiar scenarios, she creates a parody of real life that draws viewers in, making the absurdity more relatable. This approach also reflects the confusion and enthusiasm of a young adult grappling with newfound responsibilities and unsettling truths.

The use of soothing, dreamy colors in these paintings contrasts with the disquieting scenes, creating a sense of calm within chaos. This soft color palette mimics the way we often try to rationalize or sugarcoat the harsh realities of the world. The colors invite viewers to feel comfortable and safe, even when the scenes depict a surreal or disturbing narrative. This duality adds depth to the artwork, as the warm tones clash with the underlying themes, symbolizing how life can appear serene while concealing unsettling truths.

Ultimately, “The Age of (Un)Innocence” paints a picture of a world that is both intriguing and nonsensical, just like real life. Each artwork exists independently of the viewer’s interpretation, yet its absurdity resonates universally. The series reminds us that the events in our lives often happen without reason, just as the scenes within these paintings do. In capturing this sense of unpredictable reality, the artist allows us to glimpse the uncertainty and surreal nature of adulthood, encouraging us to embrace it, even if we don’t fully understand it.

Interpretation of the surrealistic metaphors

  • Eggshell Sunset

    A doll-like figure in a blue dress sits on a stretch of cloud beside a serene body of water. Nearby, a headless mannequin stands atop an open pink clam, while a decapitated teddy bear lies by the doll’s side. The doll’s face is hollowed out to cradle an unborn fetus, symbolizing potential life within an eerie stillness. Observing from afar is a single head crowned with thorns, watching the scene in silent contemplation. Titled Eggshell Sunset, the piece reflects on the fragility of reality and the cyclical nature of time, exploring how our perception of the world can be both delicate and repetitive.
  • Garden Encounter

    “Garden Encounter” presents a doll-like figure in a pink ballgown, an unusual choice for an outdoor setting, clutching a teddy bear with its limbs torn off. Around her, unborn fetuses sprout from the surrounding foliage, lending an eerie vitality to the scene. In the background, a disembodied pair of legs stands quietly, creating an unsettling sense of being watched. This painting subtly explores how life places us in strange, unexpected situations, capturing the surreal unpredictability of existence.
  • Her Daughter

    “Her Daughter” features an armless, doll-like figure in a pink dress, with a matching pink hairbow covering her face. Floating mannequin hands gently lift a layer of her skirt, exposing an intricate mass resembling brain folds. The title hints at an unseen character, suggesting a sense of ownership or control over the figure. Intriguingly, the artist, the youngest in her family, often wears a hairbow, adding a personal layer to the piece. This haunting portrayal explores themes of identity, autonomy, and the ways in which familial roles can shape or constrain us.
  • The Burial

    “The Burial” depicts two central figures: a skeletonized figure and a large, vibrant pink teddy bear. Although bright colors are typically avoided in representations of death, these characters either disregard or outright reject this convention, embodying a playful defiance against societal norms. Their colorful presence reflects a childlike refusal to conform to expectations, as if they’re rebelling against the somber tones of mortality. The painting poses a poignant question: what would a funeral look like if what was being mourned wasn’t a person, but a child’s imagination?

Interpretation of the surrealistic metaphors

  • Disintegration

    In “Disintegration”, a pink bear sits solemnly on a floating coffin adrift on a vast, empty body of water, gazing out at the scattered, dismembered pieces of a doll. This scene encapsulates the hollow emptiness we experience when life spirals beyond our control, leaving us to watch in silence as everything unravels. The painting evokes a sense of quiet resignation, capturing the loneliness and helplessness that accompanies loss and the dissolution of stability.
  • Lunch

    “Lunch” presents a surreal scene: a large head split open by two floating mannequin hands, each wielding a dining utensil. From the hollowed head, a cloud-like mass spills outward into a vast body of water. On the water’s surface floats a torn teddy bear, gazing up at the strange spectacle. While meals are meant to nourish and supply the self, this painting disrupts that expectation, as the contents of the head flow outward rather than inward, subverting the purpose of consumption. The piece reflects on the paradox of giving away parts of oneself in the pursuit of fulfillment.
  • The Bathtub

    “The Bathtub” presents an unusual scene where a doll relaxes in a ripped-open teddy bear, using its stuffing as a makeshift bath. Her heart rests in her carved-out torso, and a few fingers lie gently atop the polyester filling in front of her. This striking imagery serves as a poignant reminder that our perceptions often limit our understanding of an object’s intended use. The painting encourages viewers to reconsider the ways we approach everyday items, revealing the potential for alternative interpretations and unconventional experiences.
  • The Dissection

    “The Dissection” portrays a teddy bear splayed open on a cobblestoned street, its insides laid bare for all to see. Nearby, an armless torso gazes at the bear, polyester spilling from its chest. This unsettling scene invites viewers to contemplate the notion that appearances can be deceiving; what lies beneath the surface often reveals a deeper complexity. The artwork challenges us to look beyond the obvious and consider the hidden truths that shape our understanding of identity and vulnerability.

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