BEYOND THE SHADOWS
S O L O E X H I B I T I O N B Y R E I
T H E S T O R Y
Beyond the Shadows is an exhibition that recognises the struggles of trauma and mental health and celebrates the resilience to endure and persevere through it. I’ve gone through my fair share of difficulties and for the longest time, the build up of all these things has caused me to feel trapped in the shadows of my own darkness. This has resulted in a tendency to coil up inwards and turn towards self-destruction. Yet, in spite of this, I’ve managed to find solace in art and have used it as a way to process my innermost thoughts, memories and emotions. It’s been an uphill battle, but with art and in my work, I’ve found ways to cope with and work through the epitome of my pain, in other words, the shadows and in doing so, I have challenged the darkness and moved beyond them. This exhibition is an artistic celebration of my journey through the ups and the downs of life, and how I’ve managed to use the very shadows that held me down, as a way to propel me forward into a new stage where peace and acceptance have become my focus.
Beyond the Shadows is not afraid of the darkness. It celebrates the light that pierces through it and pivots towards the ultimate growth it represents.
Love, r e i
INNER PEACE SERIES
As with all things in life, we fall, we pick ourselves up, we learn, we grow. I wanted to create a series that represented my inner turmoil turning into inner peace – my process of finding the calm in the chaos.
The tranquil and flowing nature of this series helps take away all the anxieties that are on my mind.
I know there will always be external factors that are out of our control, but what we can control is ourselves – our emotions, our thoughts and our reactions. I’m learning to thrive with the ups and downs that life throws at me and this series represents that journey.
NOSTALGIA SERIES
These darker, black, white and gold paintings symbolise the perfect storm that sometimes rages in my mind.
Being able to translate the storm and commotion onto canvas, presented me with odd and unusual, yet freeing and restorative sensations. All of which express a forward momentum in fulfilment and growth.
Going through tough times is part of life and I look at this series especially, as memories of those tough times, symbolised by the black and the rough texture. Yet, these memories have now taken on the depth and dimension of renewal and that of a life that has overcome, all of which is symbolised by the white and gold.
GROUNDED SERIES
These artworks are a visual representation and reminder that no matter what is thrown at me, I will remain grounded and true to myself.
I am proud of my growth - something I thought I would never be able to say out loud, let alone to an audience but with my recently discovered confidence and belief and with the help of a wonderful group of supportive people who love, care and look out for me, I know that I’ll be able to work through anything that comes my way.
When it comes to what matters the most, it's what lies beneath the surface - on the inside, that counts.
This is my thank you. A thank you to me, to my loved ones and to you. I'm forever grateful.
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Drop me a message so we can start working together.
@artistrei_