Visual Art
Ophelia Arc:
Weaving into the Soul
30 October 2023
How Ophelia Arc’s deeply personal crotchet work is able to reach into the hearts of her viewers.
Ophelia Arc is a promising emerging artist hailing from the streets of New York City. Currently pursuing her Master of Fine Arts (MFA) at Rhode Island School of Design, Ophelia's work is something to marvel at. Her crochet sculpture art practice transcends beyond the mere creation of visually appealing works – it becomes an avenue for personal exploration and introspection. As the winner of our September art contest with her piece, “Disruption of Bodily Self”, Ophelia’s art reaches into the souls of her audience.
Drawing inspiration from late night sketching sessions, Arc's creative process begins with an immersive exploration of the subject matter at hand. Divulging into pieces of literature, research articles, and analytical databases, Arc creates a strong foundation of her work by gaining a profound understanding of a new theme. After the research phase, Arc sketches, collages, writes, measures and maps where the sculpture will be built to prepare for materializing her idea. Arc embraces a slow and meticulous pace, calling attention to her aim for ‘perfection’ and how creating art has become an outlet for her obsessiveness. Upon the sculpture's completion, Arc embarks on a reflective journey, delving into the depth and meaning of the piece. This self-reflection serves as a catalyst for identifying any areas that may require further refinement or alteration. Every stroke, choice of material, and intricate detail carries significance within Arc's artwork, seeking to challenge the viewer's perception of her art.
“I've come to notice that people resonate more with work that’s very real or personal since a lot of the issues I deal with in my art are rather common, the feelings universal in this way”
Arc's artwork revolves around the themes of harm and care, providing a platform for her to explore the delicate balance between creation and destruction. Her pieces express the notion that she has the ability to both care for and mutilate anything she creates. These themes hold deep personal significance to Arc, she stated that she creates art for herself and although she grapples with the belief that this may be considered selfish, she has noticed that the rawness of her creations resonates deeply with others. While all humans experience different forms of trauma, her art connects us through universal emotions. Her work also delves into the theme of childhood, emphasizing the experiences of girlhood specifically.
“Disruption of Bodily Self”, 2023
The sculpture "Disruption of Bodily Self" was brought to life from a late night sketch as she thought about “this constant self-sustained state of dissociation” she finds herself in, referring to this feeling as white noise you might eventually tune out after hearing for a while. The sculpture stands 65 inches tall with variable ways in which to present it due to its flexibility. The figure’s back was derived from numerous photos of the artist's own spine, which adds a deeply personal detail to the artwork. By visually conveying the internal struggle and disconnection within oneself, the artist invites viewers to reflect upon the complexities within their own lives, exploring the paradoxical nature of both discomfort and acceptance.
“I see myself in relation to my art as if it were mold on fruit. As the mold begins to form and fester and grow, I cut it off and separate it. These growths become their own entities. Separating and partitioning off this mold however does not undo my rot. It simply buys time and space for more of me to corrupt”
Ophelia Arc's art pieces delve fearlessly into the realm of the taboo, exploring subjects such as mutilation, body image, and vulnerability. Through the unique combination of yarn, latex, and personal mementos, her artwork creates an atmospheric experience that taps into the viewer's own sense of abjection. The deliberate choice of subject matter and materials serves a purpose: to challenge societal norms and ignite introspection. Ophelia's art invites viewers to confront uncomfortable truths, grapple with inner turmoil, and redefine the boundaries of acceptability within the contemporary art space. It is through this exploration that we are encouraged to reflect, to question, and ultimately to grow.