BFA EXHIBIT ARCHIVE
Visual Resources Library
 

Sara Szumilas: Mors Eutierra

Jo Farb Hernandez Gallery, 9/26/2022–9/29/2022

Advisors: Shaun O'Dell

 

Artist's Statement

Mors Eutierra is a collection of works that explore my fascination with existence, our relation to the earth and diverse ideas regarding life and death. My subjects often portray numerous figures surrounded by nature or enveloped by a contrived construct. The line between real and unreal is purposefully blurred to underline the radical subjectivity of our experiences and how little we truly comprehend in relation to ourselves and our environment. Although many of my themes seem grim on the surface level, I find optimism in the acceptance of less pleasant aspects of life or themes that cause initial discomfort.

Oil painting is an integral part of how I express emotions and ideas by manipulation of paint texture and control of subject matter. During the process of creating I am able to remove myself from the conscious mind and make intuitive choices that come from the unconscious, which seems wiser than myself. My work recently expanded to include sculpture and experimenting with different mediums has allowed me to find new ways of portraying my subjects in a three dimensional format- inspiring more grit and innovation within tool use.

Through various mediums I am able to express my interest in subjectivity and existence and our relationship with reality versus belief. I am continuously inspired by human behavior, our beliefs surrounding death and the afterlife, as well as our status and assumed place on this planet. My most beloved tool is introspection as I navigate the external world within myself and vice versa.