Toni Vallance ‘Interiors’

This collection of work delves into the intricate psychology of memory, exploring how we construct narratives from fragmented recollections. Memories, often replayed unconsciously, can shape our understanding of self and reality, blurring the lines between truth and interpretation. Through this collection, I challenge the notion of unquestioned memories and the stories we repeatedly replay in our minds.

To visualise this, I drew on imagery from interior design, architecture and fashion as reflections of the way we present ourselves to the world. This imagery was cut up, reconstructed and abstracted, representing the layers of manipulated memories that we construct and unconsciously live by.

In terms of technique, I employ drawing and acrylic under-painting as a foundational layer, adding depth, texture and form, and then layer oil pigment sticks and oil pastels to introduce a dynamic interplay of colour and materiality. This deliberate juxtaposition of complementary colours and varied mediums, symbolises the complexity and sometimes conflicting realities within our memories. The vibrant hues serve as a visual catalyst, highlighting the subconscious narratives we weave, often without conscious awareness.

Through this artistic exploration, I aim to illuminate the nuanced layers of human memory, inviting viewers to reconsider their own ‘interior’ and the inherent subjectivity of personal history.