ARTISTS STATEMENT
To me, this piece represents the relationship I have with my birth mother who was completely absent from my life. My mother is a bipolar, sex worker with addiction issues. In 1998 She made the difficult decision to leave me with my father’s family so I could have my best shot at life. I learned to live without her. Today, our rocky road of reconnecting, often slams to a halt when she doesn’t acknowledge the damage she’s done. She not only affected my life but the people around me. I’ve recently decided to go no contact with her. I would like for her to see the person I’ve become, but not if she won’t respect my boundaries. I have built a colorful life, community and chosen family, but she’lI never get to see. I want this piece to remind you that you have power, and from a little spark, may burst a divine flame. This specific piece is a thrifted canvas that I repurposed. It is adorned with magazine clippings, a hand selected poem, and a few other personal sentiments. The post-card featured in the piece; is written in Albanian, my paternal grandmother’s language. The film strip is a negative from my own disposable camera, used at a family function. The playboy magazine is a reminder of my sexual power, gifted by a best friend.These special paper scraps remind me that my family is close-by and will always be there.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Amanda is a Chicago born multimedia artist. Graduated from Columbia College Chicago in ’21 she is a filmmaker by trade, who also creates big canvas collages. Her work uses entirely recycled & repurposed materials making each piece a one of a kind. Focusing on topics such as sustainability, body image, feminism, sexuality, mental health, & healing. Her goal is to spark thought and conversation from their pieces, and make you think about something you’ve never considered. Amanda blends a variety of textures, images and colors to conceptualize the thought and feelings they have trouble expressing. Amanda is currently a featured artist in a queer cohort of survivors at Awakenings Art. you can find more of their work on display at Awakenings Studio in Ravenswood.
© Amanda Dragovic