Representations of psychological and emotional states through the simplification of the human form and mental components of the psyche.
Instagram: @drawingwithchaf
Caitlin on their art process:
“My art represents psychological states and emotions such as; anxiety, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, addiction, body dysmorphia, and intermittent explosive disorder. Throughout my art, I simplify the human form using lines and shapes to make a figure, then obscure said figure by entangling it with other figures, creating an abstract pattern to represent specific states and emotions. One may have to search for the figure within. The act of searching for the figure represents how people often struggle to grasp their own emotions, especially when dealing with mental illness. When the figure is recognized, however, it is hard to unsee, just like it is hard for one diagnosed with a mental disorder to detach themselves from their diagnosis. I use psychological theories, such as color theory, to manipulate and emulate/evoke the emotions I’m presenting. My figures blur the lines between masculinity and femininity, breaking societal norms, but it draws on the root of humanity – the human figure, which serves as a reminder that we are all human. I use acrylic paint, canvas, and paper, as well as unusual materials like eyeshadow, yarn, beads and makeup to push the materiality of painting and pigment. Makeup is typically a temporary medium, but I make it a permanent one in my pieces. I hope that these pieces can help transform people’s ideas around mental health, just like I did with the makeup, so that it can become normalized and safe for those suffering to share their stories in our society.”
Pratt 2024 