"Stuck in the Past"

"Stuck in the Past" 16in x 22in, graphite & red foil leaf on paper, 2026

This piece presents a figure dressed in old fashioned clothing, visually placing them in the past. The garments suggest tradition, memory, and a sense of being tied to another time. However, the most striking element is the distortion of the head, where the features are warped and unclear. This distortion represents the mental weight of being stuck in the past, where thoughts and identity become shaped by memories that are no longer present but still hold power.

The warped head suggests how constantly revisiting the past can blur self perception. It becomes difficult to see oneself clearly when identity is filtered through regret, nostalgia, or unresolved experiences. The body remains grounded and structured, but the mind is fragmented, emphasizing the disconnect between moving forward physically and being held back mentally.

The use of red leaf foil introduces an interactive element. As light reflects off the surface differently depending on the viewer’s position, the piece shifts in appearance. This reflects how perspective plays a role in understanding both the artwork and mental health. What is seen changes based on where you stand, just as thoughts and memories can feel different depending on mindset, distance, and time.

Overall, the piece explores the struggle of being mentally trapped in the past, while also reminding the viewer that perception is not fixed. Just as the foil changes with movement, there is the possibility for perspective to shift, even if it feels difficult at first.