"Trapped thoughts" is a powerful and vulnerable sculpture centred on a head, partially overshadowed by a fence enclosing the upper part. The work is executed in light colours, with soft lines and subtle transitions created from an analogue drawing. Later, digital elements were added, including fragments of photographs, to reinforce the layering of the theme.
The portrait is reminiscent of a clown, and that is no coincidence. Like a clown, the face in this work wears a mask: cheerful on the outside, while hiding sadness and secrets inside. The fence symbolises the invisible barriers that imprison thoughts. It represents the inner struggles of people who are not allowed or dare to be themselves everywhere in the world. Think of members of the lhbtiq+ community or people discriminated against for their appearance, origin or beliefs. For them, freedom is not a given; their identity and thoughts are limited by the judgements of the outside world.
With this work, I want to reflect on how valuable it is to be allowed to think, feel and be in freedom. "Trapped thoughts" invites reflection: for many people, their own head is the only safe place. The moment they bring out their thoughts and who they really are, that safety is threatened.
My name is Saskia Nelissen, I live and work in Rijswijk and in May 2010 I started my own company in Visual Communication, Kasias Photo Art.
Kasias is involved in special projects in the field of photography, image editing and graphic design.
I also teach Photoshop and Lightroom courses..
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