Title

Grey Area

Creator

Kochyla, Georgia

Abstract

“Grey Area” is inspired by Richard McDonald’s Duality Two Thirds Life (2017). The concept of duality represents a principle that is fundamental to art across all time periods and cultures—it is the timeless paradox that opposites exist in harmony and interdependence with one another. Light and dark, day and night, male and female. These contrasting forces not only coexist but also define one another. Without darkness, we would not understand light; without silence, we would not value sound. Another dominant influence in my project was the contrasts that Marlene Dumas introduces into her art. She often explores oppositions like love and death, beauty and horror, innocence and guilt, or intimacy and violence. Her figures live in that tension.
Based on these, I portrayed a similar composition and introduced different elements to express the theme of duality from my own perspective. I explored the binary of light and dark that exists within each of us, highlighting the constant inner tension between opposing forces. Each spectator becomes a part of the piece through the mirrored surfaces. These reflective elements allow viewers to see themselves, transforming from passive observers to active participants—the protagonists of the work. In this way, the piece becomes personal and introspective. Also, it raises the question of whether there is a “ Grey Area” between ethical and unethical and whatever is hidden in the dark or out accepted by others.

Artist Statement

Duality is inspired by Richard McDonald’s Duality Two Thirds Life (2017). The concept of duality represents a principle that is fundamental to art across all time periods and cultures—it is the timeless paradox that opposites exist in harmony and interdependence with one another. Light and dark, day and night, male and female. These contrasting forces not only coexist but also define one another. Without darkness, we would not understand light; without silence, we would not value sound. Another dominant influence in my project was the contrasts that Marlene Dumas introduces into her art. She often explores oppositions like love and death, beauty and horror, innocence and guilt, or intimacy and violence. Her figures live in that tension.​

Based on these, I portrayed a similar composition and introduced different elements to express the theme of duality from my own perspective. I explored the binary of light and dark that exists within each of us, highlighting the constant inner tension between opposing forces. Each spectator becomes a part of the piece through the mirrored surfaces. These reflective elements allow viewers to see themselves, transforming from passive observers to active participants—the protagonists of the work. In this way, the piece becomes personal and introspective. Also it raises the question of whether there is a “ Grey Area” between ethical and unethical and whatever is hidden in the dark or out accepted by others.

Keywords

eyes

stain

legacy

Subject

Visual Arts

Date Available

May 22-23, 2025

Type

Drawing

Course

AR 2023 Figure Drawing I

Instructor

Miga, Eirini

Session

Visual Arts Exhibition

Location

Art Center Gallery

Event

Year 2025 | 9th Annual Student Research and Creative Arts Symposium