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Intimate Portrait
#NoPainNoFilterCoco Ray
Do you have a habit of journalling your dreams? Do you get creative inspiration from them?
Yes, I have a habit of journalling my dreams. I don’t keep a diary, but would jot down notes on my phone or try to recall details of my dreams to strengthen my memory of them. Two pieces in my recent exhibition were directly inspired by dreams I had. Occasionally I refer to online dream interpretation tools, but prefer to interpret the symbolic meanings of dreams based on my own experiences. For me, the process of interpreting dreams points the way to understanding myself, organising my emotions and confronting issues; they directly influence my creative work.
To you, which colour represents fear?
I associate black with fear; more specifically, an oppressive black devoid of light. I once spent a night in the Alps and woke up to complete darkness. The total lack of visual control brought along a profound sense of fear. Experiencing the oppressive nature of darkness has deeply influenced the use of space and light in my work.
What shapes in everyday objects are you drawn to and why?
I am intrigued by all kinds of shapes, but am particularly drawn to unexpected or unusual combinations of shapes, such as misaligned objects or patterns that incidentally resemble faces, that disrupt the visual norms of everyday life. They fire my imagination and prompt me to reflect on their underlying randomness and inevitability.
Is there any special meaning for the walls in your work? What particular challenges do you hope to overcome on your creative journey?
In my work, the wall symbolises the dual aspects of protection and limitation. A wall can offer security but also hinder exploration and breakthrough – it’s a theme I explored in my graduation project. On my creative journey, I hope to carry on experimenting with new materials and forms of expression, push myself beyond my comfort zone, and overcome creative bottlenecks to avoid stagnation.
Colours reminiscent of the setting sun are abound in your paintings. Do you plan that as a visual cue to guide the viewer to associate the painting with a certain time of day?
Quite so. The sunset hues in my work are not only for visual effect but represent certain temporal atmosphere and emotional states. At dusk, the rhythm of the city slows down – people return home and the streets become quieter. It is the time of day when it is easier to observe the details in your surroundings and engage in inner contemplation and reflection. Through the colours I use, I hope viewers to connect with that time of the day and be inspired to think about their own life experiences and emotions.
