"The Portrait of a Freedom Lonewolf" by Shizico Yi - Prints
Artist Statement
“I decided to create this piece in early December 2019, after watching the film Takaya on BBC here in the UK. I can still vividly remember the tears and how much the film had moved me deeply on a personal level. I was determined to know more about his story and came to find Cheryl Alexander's Instagram. Since then I have followed his story faithfully. The day of the news of his death was one of the darkest days in pandemic lockdown life. I couldn't overcome the sorrow, and I thought: if I felt this much pain, I could not imagine the pain and anger that Ms. Alexander has had to endure. I wanted to send her a bit of comfort in that difficult time, so I started drawings of Takaya. Through the process of drawing, I sent the offering and prayers with each of my ink-strokes. With each mark I made, I felt as if I was able to touch his coat and talk to him, telling him how sorry I am that humans had failed him and hurt him. Through the act of drawing, I wish his soul rest in eternal peace.”
Artist Bio
Shizico is a London-based artist, working on installations, films, and paintings. The documentary nature of her work often concerns loss, repetition, the everyday subject, and memories. Shizico holds a PhD in Fine Art and a BA in Womenswear from the University of East London. She is also the winner of the 2013 Women Film Makers: Best Shorts Competition in Los Angeles.
Artist Statement
“I decided to create this piece in early December 2019, after watching the film Takaya on BBC here in the UK. I can still vividly remember the tears and how much the film had moved me deeply on a personal level. I was determined to know more about his story and came to find Cheryl Alexander's Instagram. Since then I have followed his story faithfully. The day of the news of his death was one of the darkest days in pandemic lockdown life. I couldn't overcome the sorrow, and I thought: if I felt this much pain, I could not imagine the pain and anger that Ms. Alexander has had to endure. I wanted to send her a bit of comfort in that difficult time, so I started drawings of Takaya. Through the process of drawing, I sent the offering and prayers with each of my ink-strokes. With each mark I made, I felt as if I was able to touch his coat and talk to him, telling him how sorry I am that humans had failed him and hurt him. Through the act of drawing, I wish his soul rest in eternal peace.”
Artist Bio
Shizico is a London-based artist, working on installations, films, and paintings. The documentary nature of her work often concerns loss, repetition, the everyday subject, and memories. Shizico holds a PhD in Fine Art and a BA in Womenswear from the University of East London. She is also the winner of the 2013 Women Film Makers: Best Shorts Competition in Los Angeles.
Artist Statement
“I decided to create this piece in early December 2019, after watching the film Takaya on BBC here in the UK. I can still vividly remember the tears and how much the film had moved me deeply on a personal level. I was determined to know more about his story and came to find Cheryl Alexander's Instagram. Since then I have followed his story faithfully. The day of the news of his death was one of the darkest days in pandemic lockdown life. I couldn't overcome the sorrow, and I thought: if I felt this much pain, I could not imagine the pain and anger that Ms. Alexander has had to endure. I wanted to send her a bit of comfort in that difficult time, so I started drawings of Takaya. Through the process of drawing, I sent the offering and prayers with each of my ink-strokes. With each mark I made, I felt as if I was able to touch his coat and talk to him, telling him how sorry I am that humans had failed him and hurt him. Through the act of drawing, I wish his soul rest in eternal peace.”
Artist Bio
Shizico is a London-based artist, working on installations, films, and paintings. The documentary nature of her work often concerns loss, repetition, the everyday subject, and memories. Shizico holds a PhD in Fine Art and a BA in Womenswear from the University of East London. She is also the winner of the 2013 Women Film Makers: Best Shorts Competition in Los Angeles.