June 12- July 10/ “MOULDED MEMORIES” by JOSHUA LUE CHEE KONG

Moulded Memories: The Shaping of the Subliminal

Being born in Trinidad in 1988, I have been fortunate to live in a very diverse culture. This has allowed me to be exposed and subconsciously absorb all the idiosyncratic qualities that prevail around me. I am innately drawn towards mythological archetypes and how they are represented, rituals and customs, and the objects that are used in these rituals. How objects embody human expression fascinates me the most. There is not one culture I can honestly say is my favorite as they all are very intriguing, from the burials of pharaohs in Egypt, the Dogon masks from West Africa to the illustrative Mayan murals and many more.

Most of my foundation in art and design came after studying for my BFA in graphic design at Savannah College of Art and Design for four years. This decision of studying graphic design was because of my curiosity of making ideas happen and the fact that I want to try everything; even if it is only once. It was here that I was taught and practiced the elements of design basics, which I used as a start for my personal exploration of aesthetics. What I also gained from my experience at Savannah College of Art and Design was the in depth knowledge of art history which showed the diverse works of art from all over the world; and also where all the great masters of art got their inspiration and the mantra that they established for themselves.

My fascination for using clay as a medium was not immediate; it only began with an invitation to a Raku class taught by Bunty O Conner. She is a well-known ceramic artist, who for many years ran a pottery factory called Ajoupa with her husband Rory. She has continued to be a great mentor and inspiration who has awakened my sculptor spirit. Through this process, I began working with the Sculpty clay, which formed my ideas spontaneously and preserves the details I wanted to achieve. I also enjoy the putty like texture of the clay, which gives a softness to the creations I make.

The title of the collection is called Moulded Memories. This title was created from my fascination about dreams and my curiosity of how some dreams are remembered and some forgotten. I have come to the realization that most of my work is formed from my dreams, where all my ideas, my memories, my experiences all merge together into one stream. It is from that stream that my pieces are made intuitively. I engulf myself in my creations in a meditative state where I lose consciousness of my surroundings. It is because of this, that I rarely have any control on what is made with my hands; mostly from a collage of ideas I have in my head and the urge for the idea to become a reality. I would like to think this intuitive process is my brain’s way of remembering these lost dreams. This is why I believe that everything in this collection embodies a piece of my spirit; it is that spirit that brings raw emotions to these objects.

My creative process can be described as unpredictable fluidity, as I am never quite sure what I am making but once I have an idea in my mind, I will continue working on that idea with the clay until it finally takes form in the end. It is a delicate balance with the simple forms and the complexity of the details, and it is only when I personally feel that enough is enough, that is when I will stop.

This is just a small part of my creative process and the way my expressions are, literally, molded. Everything in this world is an inspiration; it is your response that determines what you can do with these collective ideas. When looking back at the collection, I sense this gentle but mischievous side of the work. I am not sure if it is a self-reflection of my subconscious as I do put all of my raw emotions in my work. It would be interesting if it was, but maybe it is my mind just playing games with me.
For me it provides the confidence that I need to experiment with totally new ideas, and become content with the results. I am excited to see how these ideas develop and become the catalyst for future projects.

ABOUT THE ARTIST:

Joshua Lue Chee Kong was born in Trinidad and Tobago. He studied graphic design at the Savannah School of Art and Design where he received a BFA. After graduating, he worked for a year at Alfalfa Studio in New York, developing his skills as a graphic designer. He is presently living in Trinidad doing freelance work in branding, publications and design consultations.

He has a keen interest in history and culture and is presently exploring Trinidad & Tobago’s folklore. Through this, he is redefining the traditional interpretations by expanding the cultural iconography and imagery. This has helped create a new dimension in the redefinition of Trinidad & Tobago’s society being relevant to the present global family, while preserving its own cultural uniqueness and identity, transcending racial and social barriers.

His work had been published in ANNO books, OMG magazine, See Me Here: A Survey of Contemporary Self-Portraits from the Caribbean, The Draconion Switch e-magazine and two of his photographic images appeared on the cover of TIME magazine.

ABOUT THE GALLERY:

Medulla Art Gallery has been established to carry on and develop the traditions of Aquarela Galleries. Medulla, as the name implies, will provide a core space for art education with public participation through exhibitions, forums and workshops. Geoffrey MacLean, Martin Mouttet and Isabel Brash hope to use Medulla to demonstrate art, not only as a social expression, but also as a medium for therapy and growth. Medulla seeks to produce and promote exhibitions and ancillary events of established and emerging artists.

Medulla also seeks to engage with and educate the public including teachers, students, private and corporate collectors, investors, sponsors, art enthusiasts and media through the development of new innovative programs and initiatives, workshops, artist talks, critical analysis etc. Partnering with other cultural institutions and organizations on collaborative projects is another important goal. Other services offered by Medulla are exhibition installation, appraisals, acquisitions, documentation, advice on conservation restoration and collection management.

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WHERE

Medulla Art Gallery

OPENING RECEPTION: Thursday 12th June 2014

@7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

#37 Fitt Street, Woodbrook, Port-of-Spain

RSVP: 740 7597 / medullaartgallery@gmail.com
EXHIBITION CLOSES: Thursday 10th July 2013