Mute Chaos by Yadi Liu
Editor's note:
This vibrant pastel suite by illustrative artist Yadi Liu delves into a personal exploration of the self via the lens of Ego and Id. Exploring the framework through gorgeous characterizations experiencing emotions such as desire, anxiety, self-doubt, and hope, Liu leads the viewer on a journey through mental states, sharing both her captivating images and written intention for each piece. Aspects of the mind are depicted sometimes at odds, sometimes protecting one another, all in stunningly smooth swipes of pastel chalk, more details appearing the longer the viewer investigates the piece and the question each one proposes.
Mute Chaos: The Conflict of Id and Ego
Yadi Liu
As an artist, I truly believe that honest art only comes from real feelings. I have been trying to record my emotions and to explore the truth of life through art. My work is inspired by Sigmund Freud’s theory, which suggests one’s psyche can be divided into id and ego. Because of the internal conflicts I have been experiencing under different circumstances throughout my life, sometimes I feel that I am composed of two selves, which I named id and ego. Id is the emotional self, who urges every desire to be satisfied. On the other hand, Ego is the rational self, who is calm and realistic. Therefore, I created this series of 10 pastel drawings, "Mute Chaos: The Conflict of Id and Ego", which depicts the psychological state of my mind at different moments. I chose chalk pastel because it gives me a sensation of touch and allows me to express my emotions more delicately as well as energetically. Not only does pastel gives me the freedom to vent my feelings on the paper, but it also stimulates my senses, especially when it sometimes breaks as if this results from the conflicts in my art.
No.1 “Dissatisfaction”
Both Id and Ego are seeking “quick yet intense fun” in this modern society, as they ceaselessly crave more possibilities from social media.
No.2 “Gluttony”
Id periodically gluttonizes due to anxiety, while Ego consoles Id and protects her from being judged by others.
No.3 “Lust”
The lustful Id is having sexual intercourse with an abstract black masculine symbol, while Ego is contemplating the emptiness of life on the right side.
No.4 “Sociality”
The pessimistic Ego protects the sociable Id and divides people they encounter into different circles of proximity.
No.5 “Idealism”
Id indulges in fantasizing, while Ego is determined. They are chasing their dreams together.
No.6 “Inferiority”
When Id and Ego are trapped in an inferior state, Id feels small, skeptical and shameful, while Ego gives Id understanding, comfort and support.
No.7 “Inarticulation”
The red ball symbolizes warm words, but Id, under the influence of a fierce environment, only manages to convey a tiny fraction of it. Therefore, Id ends up being misunderstood by others, suffering from the difficulty to fully convey her message to others.
No.8 “Distraction”
Ego tries to stay calm and focused, while the curious Id is always distracted by various things floating around her.
No.9 “Prejudice”
The pristine form of myself, a combination of Id and Ego, is holding a fire called passion. This is my true self that I long for others to see, but others often perceive me as those different masks floating around me, none of which resembles the real me.
No.10 “Anxiety”
Id curls up stressfully and is squeezed to the center by the bubbles around her. Ego tries to help Id breathe and release some pressure by pushing bubbles away from her.
My work is more about asking questions rather than solving problems. I hope my work encourages people to ask questions about themselves.
Yadi Liu is an award-winning visual artist. She was born in China and is now based in New York City. Her unique abstract style is characterized by curvy shapes and strong, vibrant colors. Most of her artworks are produced using digital media or chalk pastel.
She graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology with a Master of Fine Arts degree in illustration. Inspired by Cubism and Expressionism, she is passionate about finding the optimum balance between illustration and Modern Art. She has won many major awards such as MoCCA Festival Silver Medal, SOI Annual, SOLA, 3x3 Illustration, and AI-AP. Her works have been frequently exhibited in many international galleries, exhibitions, festivals, and her clients include The Washington Post, VOGUE, Harper's Bazaar, and more.
www.yadiliu.com
@yadiiart
Check out more of Yadi Liu’s art, here.