Between the Lines
Calvin Ma utilizes a recurring figure in his sculptural work to explore personal struggles with social anxiety and where we find solace. Ma has shared that he has faced difficulties in the social environment, often feeling heightened nervousness or anxiety in groups. Finding refuge early on in playing with action figures, Ma’s sculptures are imbued with a sense of childlike exploration and storytelling. His newest body of work beautifully depicts the recognizable figure we see throughout his sculptures, this time as birds in a variety of postures. His characteristically stunning highly-detailed work here showcases his skill through the bright feathers and rich surface details of each form.
This piece, Between the Lines is part of Calvin Ma's 2022 exhibition, Blend In: Between the Lines. Says the artist, "Blend In: Between the Lines is a continuation of my Blend In series reflecting on experiences with social anxiety. This show focuses more on the feeling of being and not being somewhere at the same time. I encounter this often in social settings and it’s something I can’t quite overcome. Each piece in the exhibition touches on this theme in its own unique way."
