THE PARADOX OF EMOTION AS A THEME FOR CREATING SURREALIST PAINTINGS

Abstract

Emotional paradox describes the experience of conflicting emotions that occur simultaneously within an individual. This phenomenon appears when people express emotions that differ from their actual feelings in social interactions, creating a gap between external expressions and internal experiences. This project explores emotional paradox through painting to increase awareness of emotional honesty, reflection, and empathy. The project applies a practice-based research method in which artistic creation becomes the main process of knowledge development. The creation process includes four stages: exploration, design, realization, and finishing. The exploration stage involves observation and visual reference collection, while the design stage develops visual concepts through sketches. The realization stage applies painting techniques including blocking, layering, blending, splattering, sponge, and impasto, followed by detailing and varnishing in the finishing stage. The project produces four paintings entitled Traitor, Fragile Freedom, Ruang yang Terbagi (Divided Space), and Unbalanced. These artworks use surrealistic visual elements to represent emotional paradox and encourage reflection on emotional experiences.