Layan S. Alharthy

Artist Statement

Many individuals who are dearest to my heart, have experienced brain fog, which can be due to a chronic condition, the recent Covid-19 virus, or even simply because of age-related conditions. Through my exploration of brain fog, I linked the theme of brain blurriness to nature and, more specifically, to butterflies, which I admire. A butterfly’s vision is not sharp as they are unable to see fine details. My artwork examines the relationship between experiencing a symptom that might have a negative impact on one’s life, and taking it as an opportunity to look at life through a different lens. This lens reveals beauty and optimism, and a way of looking at life through a different lens. This lens reveals beauty and optimism, and the thinking that lies behind it. I render parts of the human body, specifically the brain and spine, which relates to the life cycle of a butterfly. The brain has a similar shape to an open-winged butterfly, and the spine resembles a caterpillar, which is the beginning of its beautiful life cycle.

As artists, but also as individuals in this captivating world, we must celebrate the human body and transform any negative symptoms, by relating them to a beautiful concept. We must find the beauty in our flaws to capture movement and life. I work in graphite for its naturalness, delicacy, and strength. This medium allows me to create smudges, which give my work a foggy effect. Graphite, intertwined with light and sound, makes the fog sway and the light sing. Graphite’s readiness to be modified, both in color and texture, is a perfect medium for exploring nature and brain fog./events-exhibitions/virtual-exhibits/mfa-thesis/2022-forever/layan-s-alharthy