Killing Me Softly. Junyi Liu Solo Show

ARTSY ONLINE EXCLUSIVE

Junyi Liu’s artworks are deeply rooted in her life experience. Her latest body of work “Killing Me Softy” reveals the complex psychology of people who found themselves in toxic relationships. She painted scenes of young women interacting with sweet foods, sometimes in a puzzling way. Once given the key that sweets are a metaphor for toxic relationships, it is easy for the viewer to comprehend the latent meaning of those interactions. The most obvious similarity of them is the addictive quality. Toxic relationships bring satisfaction and euphoria, while harming the more vulnerable person emotionally, psychologically, and/or physically.

Attempts to leave the relationships often fail due to the psychological dependence developed overtime. Junyi has been in multiple toxic relationships, and unfortunately her mental illness has made her an easier target for people with toxic traits. She chose to express the fear, frustration, and ambivalence she experienced through artistic romanticization. The usage of rich, harmonious colors is consistent throughout all the paintings, while the characters within engage in activities that suggest mental instability or even suicide ideation.

Each painting was titled with a quote commonly-heard from the abusers, such as “Stop being so dramatic” . The well-executed portraitures, appetizing sweets, and bright colors serve as a disguise for the underlying cruel sufferance the characters endure.