Louise Bourgeois
Louise Bourgeois has had a profound influence on my work, particularly in how I explore themes of motherhood, migration, and belonging. Her iconic Maman (1999), a monumental spider sculpture, symbolizes both protection and vulnerability. The spider’s dual nature, embodying nurturing yet oppressive qualities, resonates deeply with my exploration of maternal relationships within the context of migration. Like Bourgeois, I seek to use metaphorical imagery to address complex emotions tied to the roles of caregiver and dependent, as well as the fluid and evolving sense of home.
Bourgeois’s ability to transform personal experiences into universal symbols inspires me to integrate elements of my own history into my work. Her autobiographical narratives, often expressed through recurring motifs such as spiders, cells, and fabrics, reflect a deeply emotional and psychological engagement with memory and identity.
Additionally, Bourgeois’s embrace of materiality as a narrative tool has guided my approach to working with unconventional materials like etched paperboard and recycled plates. Her use of texture and tactile qualities reminds me that the material itself can carry meaning, becoming an integral part of the storytelling process. This perspective pushes me to view the physicality of my medium as a reflection of the concepts I explore, bridging the emotional with the tangible.