What Lives and What Lingers

Author/Artist Name

Kaylee VanlueFollow

Files

Academic Level at Time of Creation

Senior

Date of Creation

Fall 11-15-2024

Artist Statement

Like a flash in the night, reality blurs, and colors take shape. Manifestations spark within the form of a dream, allowing us to momentarily connect with those who are and were. This body of work draws inspiration from generational narratives that echo through time, particularly mid-century themes intertwined with Vietnamese and American heritage.

At the heart of this exhibition lies a personal dream that has evolved alongside my journey from childhood to adulthood. Each piece serves as a visual exploration of perspective and identity, rooted in the mid-century miniatures of a dollhouse living room from my youth and cultural themes stemming from the Vietnam War. These pieces reflect and borrow from the aesthetics of that era, characterized by sharp lines, organic forms, repeating patterns, and a blend of function and artistry, but also the cultural significance embedded within both Vietnamese and American design.

Each work in this exhibition encapsulates memories that stem from a personal and generational place, preserving the stories of both my past and broader cultural experiences relating to the way that people tend to cope. As real-life events have unfolded, each joy, struggle, and revelation has subtly shifted this dreamscape. This interplay of memory and imagination is reflected in the materials used: metal, wood, fibers, enamel and found objects come together to create a room of preservation that honors these shared histories. The pieces range from culturally significant jewelry that evokes cherished moments to structures reminiscent of childhood play and relationships, each item modified to tell its own unique story.

Drawing inspiration from Jenna Spevack’s work and her shared emphasis on materials, as well as their unique roles in storytelling. Both of our practices explore interactions and conversations between various elements to invoke deeper reflections on memory, identity, and how they convey a particular event. The way that she creates an environment around her works to establish a feeling within the space is particularly notable as it adds a layer of encasement that guides a viewer’s sensibilities. Observing the way Maya Lin approaches her architectural designs from a poetic and dreamlike place, there are organic forms that employ a fluidity and ethereal mood adjacent to harsh geometry and repeating patterns that have sprung great influence on my personal work. Her use of lines that guide the eye creates a journey throughout her designs and installations, while also tying in cultural narratives and personal reflections, raises distinct influence and interest.

As a whole, this work serves as a reliquary for the influences that have shifted perspectives through time. It invites you to ponder the insights we can gain about ourselves and each other as we reflect on the intricate tapestry of our identities. Within this shared dreamscape, we are reminded that our stories ultimately converge to form a singular, enduring circle - one that may continue to grow or fade away, depending on how we choose to honor and remember them.

Advisor/Mentor

Jeanne Beaver, Sarah Martin, Gregory Scott Cook, Mike Martin

Description

The exhibition space is designed to evoke a dream-like atmosphere, enhanced by sheer drapery that blurs the boundaries of reality. Interactive filing boxes serve as metaphors for memory, filled with artifacts that symbolize recurring events and the fleeting nature of recollection. Some boxes contain familiar items, while others remain empty, prompting contemplation on loss and the passage of time. In addition to the immersive installation, the exhibition features a collection of jewelry crafted from wood, metal, fibers, and found objects, each piece serving as a tactile embodiment of memory and experience. These materials are thoughtfully chosen to reflect the duality of fragility and resilience, mirroring the complexities of our personal and cultural narratives. Each jewelry piece draws inspiration from the artist's childhood and heritage, intertwining stories and emotions into wearable art. By incorporating found objects, the artist further emphasizes the notion of memory as a collage of experiences, inviting viewers to explore how these intimate artifacts resonate with their own lives and shared histories. This collection not only enhances the thematic depth of the exhibition but also encourages personal connections through the lens of memory and identity.

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.

Recommended Citation

Vanlue, Kaylee, "What Lives and What Lingers" (2024). B.F.A. Practicum Exhibition (ART 498). 144.
https://digitalcommons.murraystate.edu/art498/144