Bio: Parme Marin, 39, Lower East Side
Title of work: Behind the Curtain
Where to see it: “In the Name of the Mother,” Chinatown Soup Gallery, New York.
Three words to describe this work: Vibrant, squeezed, mother(hood).
What was on your mind at the time: When I started this series, my goal was to capture the intimate experiences of motherhood through close-up depictions of breasts and hands. I aimed to convey the sensations of being pulled, pressed, and squeezed, inherent in the maternal journey. The balance of making viewers slightly uncomfortable yet maintaining an elegant aesthetic amused me.
As a mother myself, my thoughts often revolve around my children. Even in the studio, between art sessions, I find myself immersed in articles and essays exploring the intersection of art and motherhood. I frequently reflect on my upbringing and analyze my approach to parenting. The central theme of this body of work is the constant presence of my children in my mind, as I balance my role as an artist with the practicalities of daily life.
An interesting feature that’s not immediately noticeable: The subtle gradient of color in the skin tones of my works. This gradient serves as a homage to my childhood. Growing up, my father collected art deco enamel ceramics, and I have vivid memories of the stunning color combinations and drippings on those pieces. Though it’s challenging to articulate the exact connection, I felt a strong urge to incorporate these memories into my work as a testament to my own childhood, integrated into my present experience as a mother and an artist.
How the work reflects your practice as a whole: Through the intricate layering of textures, blending controlled and spontaneous techniques such as monotypes, and incorporating nostalgic interior design motifs, as well as emphasizing the importance of strong color combinations, my work serves as a tangible expression of many disparate elements of my creative process – together becoming something cohesive. Each work not only embodies the central concepts of the series but also references a greater aesthetic context, which I suppose is central to my overall vision.
One song that captures the work’s essence: “Energy” by Sampa the Great.
