Emily Zou
OCAD University
“A Psychosociological Diary” is a record of personal narratives, drawn from life and memory; I am interested in recording human interactions (the sociological), many of which are seen through the lenses of mental illness and trauma (the psychological). These small drawings are windows into intimate spaces and their portable diaristic nature is a metaphor for the memories I carry, both public and private, beautiful and terrible, harmonious and chaotic, delicate and intense, and light and dark. The body is a site of tension between these dichotomies, and the exterior environment is transformed into a mindspace. The use of simple media (paper, pen, and pastel) speaks to the portable nature of the work and reflects the intimate, reflective, and quiet activity of journaling. Through these drawings, I hope to contribute to the conversations surrounding mental illness and to create a safe space for dialogue, connection and understanding.
A Psychosociological Diary, 2019-2020
Ink pen and pastel
~ 6 x 9 cm per drawing
(selected drawings)
Each drawing in the series has its own caption (read from image 1 to 2, right to left, and top to bottom):
1. PACIFIERS
2. NAIVE
3. THE READING ROOM
4. OPENING
5. THE DEPRESSINGLY SWEET, FLEETING, AND TEMPORARY NATURE OF RELATIONSHIPS
6. SAFEKEEPING
7. MISSING YOU
8. EVENING WINE IN THE STUDIO
9. DRAWING & PAINTING STUDENTS
10. HALLWAY CONVERSATIONS
11. ADOPTED
12. THERAPY
