Broken in an Ugly Way (2024)

This artwork by Nattaleya Paidan utilizes elements of Cubism and Expressionism to intensely visualize a fragmented emotional state caused by the conflicts and stresses of modern society. The piece conveys extreme psychological chaos by filling the canvas with numerous distorted and fragmented faces and body parts. The figures, marked by exaggerated noses, mouths, and eyes, suggest a violent eruption of mixed emotions such as screaming, anger, and fear. The intense color palette of deep reds, yellows, and dark browns amplifies this state of emotional turmoil. As the title ‘Broken in an Ugly Way’ implies, the artist directly visualizes the painful process of the human psyche being destroyed by social conflicts, stress, and a lack of communication. This work is a sharp and visceral expression of the painful and ugly transformation of the human interior under societal pressure.