Solitude is often misunderstood—seen as either a choice for self-reflection or an imposed condition of isolation. My series Non-Recyclable Solitude explores this duality through lonely figures painted on recycled cardboard, using the remnants of my paint palettes. These works capture the weight of solitude that cannot be repurposed or dismissed, much like the emotions we carry long after moments of separation.
In Solitude: The Science and Power of Being Alone, the authors discuss how solitude, when embraced, can foster creativity, emotional resilience, and deeper self-understanding. My figures exist in a space of contemplation, embodying the quiet residue of isolation. The recycled cardboard itself, often discarded and overlooked, mirrors the way society perceives solitude—as something to be avoided or “recycled” into social engagement. Yet, like my figures, solitude leaves an imprint that shapes identity.
This series challenges viewers to consider the power of being alone—not just as an absence of others, but as a presence of self. It is a confrontation with the non-recyclable aspects of solitude: the moments that define us, change us, and remain within us.
