Matilda, aged 17
Wire, wood, pen on paper and printed media
What stood out to me in Vincent van Gogh’s painting was the exploration of mental health and cultural influences. Van Gogh was deeply inspired by Japanese art, which led me to explore this in my own work.
I chose to sculpt a Japanese farmer out of wire, to acknowledge the ongoing motif that appears in some of Van Gogh’s pieces. I combined the elements of the koi fish, which represents perseverance and strength, qualities associated with Japanese tradition, and Van Gogh’s personal struggles. The first-aid kit symbolises the struggle around mental health and
healing, represented by Van Gogh’s bandaged ear.
The digital camera reflects the evolution of how we capture and share our emotions through art,
highlighting the transformation of society and role of technology in art today.