Recently I have been working on a series of ‘enclosed room’ installations with a recurring theme of “Bardo”, a Tibetan word for an in-between state. Just before and after death, a person goes through a state in which reality reveals itself; when one’s body disintegrates in terms of sensations, perceptions, and emotions. In this process of the spirit separating from the body one experiences differing psychological states and moments of extreme clarity.

I felt a condition similar to Bardo when I first moved to America 15 years ago. The move, cultural differences and complete change of outlook resulted in a range of conflicts.

My paintings address the uncertainty and confusion which manifest visually as contradictions, creating an energy-seeking resolution. Complex and multiple layers of fragmented images intertwine to obscure their true identities, providing no fixed reference points. These contrast with my installations, in which basic and instinctive human senses and perceptions become major elements to force viewers to be aware of the connection between the body, the conscious mind and the unconscious soul.

While inventing a setting that stimulates sensations became more crucial, I began to create spaces which often started in a two-dimensional format. In an attempt to make an intimate space isolated from the outside world, I built room-size areas with a small entrance into which to crawl. The enclosed rooms are blindingly bright or dark with the sense of either an infinite or claustrophobic space. This ‘whiteout’ or ‘blackout’ engulfs the viewer, giving rise to a visually and physically distorting and discordant experience that brings out fundamental inner feelings. The outer shapes are rather simple and modern, resembling fine furniture or an industrial building while the inner spaces have a primeval atmosphere that overwhelms the viewers with shock on first contact, but encourages them to investigate elaborate details as they feel enveloped inside the space.

Through reflecting on and delving into the psychology of death as a mirror for the living and the close link between thoughts and senses, I aspire to understand the intrinsic and complex human nature and ultimately, an awareness of a true self. My hope is that my work may start or help others along a similar path of their own.