Shyama Golden’s upcoming exhibition, “Too Bad, So Sad, Maybe Next Birth”, presents a collection of captivating paintings that delve into a rich, self-constructed mythology. Drawing inspiration from a childhood phrase about reincarnation, Golden crafts a four-act narrative populated by surreal imagery and recurring motifs, notably a blue-faced figure named Maya. These lush canvases, filled with earthly textures and unexpected details, explore themes of personal agency, fate, and shared human experiences.
The exhibition unfolds through diptychs, pairing large-scale scenes with intimate close-ups that offer alternative perspectives on the unfolding mythic storyline. The initial works introduce Maya, a blue-faced alter ego inspired by Sri Lankan folklore, juxtaposed with a self-portrait of Golden. This pairing immediately establishes a tension between vulnerability and resilience in the face of unforeseen events. Through subsequent paintings, Golden continues to explore contrasting ideas such as fame and obscurity, freedom within those states, and the misconception of the solitary creative genius.
Beyond her oil paintings, Golden is collaborating with her husband, Paul Trillo, on an animated video project utilizing artificial intelligence trained on her artwork. This venture directly confronts contemporary discussions surrounding AI’s role in art and the concept of intellectual property. Golden reflects on the romanticized notion of the singular artistic genius, suggesting that artistic influence and the construction of an artist’s narrative are themselves forms of myth-making that impact perceived value. The exhibition will be on display at PM/AM in London from May 23 to July 1.
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