Let It Wash Over

“Let It Wash Over” an Exhibition by Tunlaya Dunn

Towards the end of 2024 Tunlaya spent a lot of time at the hospital due to her mother’s deterioration with cancer. Although the decline had given her time to prepare, the loss affected her in ways she didn't know how to process.

The existing cracks within the silent sea started to move. The experience of losing a parent for the first time in her life amplified with having to comfort people around her. The so-called strength was merely a coping mechanism to store away emotions in order to process the formalities and duties that came after. This method slowly formed tidal waves that she can no longer push away. The only way out is to accept them as a part of life, letting the waves crash in and out. Allowing emotions to come and go and letting it wash over. 

“Let It Wash Over” attempts to reduce familiar elements of Tunlaya’s previous work and express only emotions during that period. Constrained thoughts and feelings are released into each piece through shades of blue, abstract renditions of waves, figures, stones, and even boxes that resemble coffins. Some pieces portray frustration while some portray symbols of light and blessings.  All that hasn’t been felt and said during her mother’s passing has concluded in these artworks.