Extensions of Us – Carissa Li
Statement
My senior exhibition, Extensions of Us, explores the essence of womanhood through the lens of self-care. It presents images of prominent women in my life and how they care for their bodies. Through eight acrylic paintings on unstretched canvas, I delve into and celebrate the diverse ways women nurture their bodies – culturally, spiritually, physically, and emotionally.
I begin by engaging in candid conversations with these women, uncovering their personal self-care rituals. This process has allowed women to consider the intentions of their actions: whether these actions are for others or themselves. Some find solace in nurturing living entities beyond themselves, such as tending to plants, while some value makeup, sleep, and skincare as a form of body care. Through the process of investigation, I hope to create an exhibition that honors my relationship with womanhood and the bond between women.
Bio
Born and raised in Little Rock, Arkansas, Carissa Li will graduate from Vanderbilt University in Spring 2024 with a B.A. in Studio Art and Biology. With her previous experience in drawing, Carissa began painting during her junior year and developed an interest in acrylic painting. Throughout her studies in art, Carissa has focused on human forms and capturing the essence of faces through drawing and painting. The subject matter of her works deal with the body, whether it portrays a disconnect in identity, touch, or personal perception. Her work has developed to become more intentional and precise, while at the same time looser, with the goal to have less brush strokes convey a concept. Driven by a desire to capture beauty and foster community through her art, Carissa seeks to create pieces that resonate with viewers on an emotional level.
