Leon Ding
Normanhurst Boys High School
LATENT REVERIE: DISGUISED DESIRES
Drawing
Watercolour, poster ink
My body of work was inspired by my interest in dream psychology. It represents elements from my dreams and desires in a dreamscape where the mind is liberated from the fetters of external pressure, where familiarity blurs the lines between the subconscious and reality. I have used bold juxtaposing colours to convey the ethereal nature of dreaming and the fantasies we strive to achieve, which can sometimes seem unattainable. In the last two panels my intention was to communicate a future subdued by the restrictions of capitalist reality, where aspects of our dreams are sacrificed for social functionality.
My artmaking practice has been influenced by the study and interpretation of the following artists: Marija Tiurina, Salvador Dali.
Marker's Commentary
Latent Reverie: Disguised Desires is a technically refined and compositionally complex exploration of a teenage experience through a surreal mindscape, immersing the audience in a deeply psychological, yet visually dynamic space. The eight-panelled structure uses colour and organic shapes and objects to guide the viewer through the mind space with seamless transitions that evoke the shifting realities of the adolescent experience. An expert understanding and use of colour acts as guide to direct a journey through the composition, seamlessly weaving together real and imagined scenarios. Dystopian and utopian scenarios, reflecting the dualities of teenage life: hope and anxiety, freedom and constraint, joy and turmoil, are interwoven in this imagined world. The interplay between these images and ideas creates a rich, multi-layered viewing experience that resonates on both an emotional and conceptual level.
Subtle yet deliberate references to Hieronymus Bosch’s Garden of Earthly Delights further elevate the work, providing a historical and symbolic depth that enriches its contemporary themes. These references, reinterpreted and rendered through a modern lens, reinforce the pressures and complexities of teenage identity while adding a dreamlike quality to the body of work. The expert technical execution is evident in the confident and refined drawing techniques and masterful compositional arrangements. Each panel contributes elements to the overall cohesion of the work. This submission, demonstrating excellence in concept, execution and visual storytelling, provides moments of intrigue and discovery, ensuring sustained engagement from the audience. The artist successfully invites the viewer into a psychological space that is both personal and universal, crafting an evocative and memorable representation of the teenage experience.