INTERVIEW: Aysha Charise on her Debut exhibit “The Quiet Part Aloud”
Through 10/31 @ C.R.E.A.T.E, Troy
“This solo exhibit has allowed me to trust more in my ideas, the ability to deliver, and making peace with finishing art pieces; that’s actually one of the hardest parts.”
Running from October 3-31, in Troy’s very own C.R.E.A.T.E studio, is Aysha Charise’s first solo art exhibit, entitled “The Quiet Part Aloud.” This exhibition, created as a collage of unspoken thoughts and artistic takes on the unseen imaginations within creator Aysha's mind, embraces pure, raw emotion. This exhibit stands as a sort of outlet, a way in which to fearlessly represent the many thoughts, fears, and uncertainties that circle around our daily lives. “The Quiet Part Aloud” sparks creativity and self-expression; after viewing some of the pieces included in this exhibit, I was eager to speak to Aysha and find out more about the unseen aspects of such a daunting project.
Magnolia Allen: Have there been any influential moments in your life that have elevated your drive to create?
Aysha Charise: My passion for art began when my sophomore art teacher introduced me to the IB Art teacher, because they both felt my talent deserved closer attention. My mother was a painter, so I’ve always seen art as a practice or way to play. I truly only committed to my passion for being an artist about two years ago, because it was either that or let it fade away.
I have a receipt list of influential moments. I think growing up surrounded by everyday color in cartoons, toys, and public spaces was extremely beneficial to my quality of life. I’ve also been enjoying museums since the age of six, so it’s always felt special to have my art chosen to be put on display in the school hallways or at Rotterdam Mall.
MA: “The Quiet Part Aloud” is being held in the C.R.E.A.T.E studio — what does the studio aim to provide to the community and what's your involvement like with the program?
AC: C.R.E.A.T.E. is a non-profit studio space that encourages social-emotional growth by making therapeutic expressive art programs affordable. At first I used their studio space to host a screen printing class and now teach a regular screen printing class at their Schenectady studio. We also teach mindfulness programs and other creative activities within the capital region public school districts. Their classes include open studio, clay, writing, and they welcome instructors to teach in their locations.
MA: Where did your inspiration for “The Quiet Part Aloud” come from? Is there a specific emotion or message you believe viewers can interpret from this exhibit?
AC: The inspiration came from missing the city. I dormed in Chelsea and then had a studio in the Bronx for almost 10 years. I could walk ten blocks down the street to the Bronx Museum of Art, or walk around the corner to the D or 4 train to head to the Met or St. Marks. This summer made a year of living back in my upstate hometown, and even though I had just begun having my art on display, I felt ready enough to have my own show.
As loud and expressive as I am, there’s so much that I yearn for and fear, and a lot of silence I’ve sat in to move on from old feelings. The fear of being seen and standing up for myself is something I didn’t recognize was holding me back, so this serves as a nudge for myself and others to be vulnerable but not naive.
MA: With this event being your first solo exhibit, do you feel this opportunity has allowed you to evolve your art or evolve your understanding of the art world?
AC: This solo exhibit has allowed me to trust more in my ideas, the ability to deliver, and making peace with finishing art pieces; that’s actually one of the hardest parts. There are repeated motifs and stories of miscommunication that I “just wanted” to paint and “knew” it’d tell a pretty secret.
With this solo show I wanted to create my own art space, with my own playlist and zines as art programs. I wanted the feel of creating and “owning” my own gallery before I break out into the art world. Truly I’m still getting my feet wet, but I think the city prepared me well for this.
MA: Is there any aspect of this exhibit that has been the most inspirational or fulfilling for you?
AC: The set up was very fulfilling for me. I painted about 8 walls and hung 18 frames up with a pencil, tape ruler, and painting tape in one day. I just wanted to be able to say I did it myself.
I’ve been told “This will be the first of many solo shows” during each gallery visit and that has always shocked me. That’s the fear of being seen part, is others seeing your light. That’s been the most inspirational part because it also feels like I’m being told, “You can do it.”
MA: Overall, what's your most significant takeaway from creating and putting together your first solo show? Have you encountered any challenges, learned valuable lessons, encountered any influences, or experienced any significant emotions during the process?
AC: My biggest takeaway is that I can achieve grand goals, and I’m as talented as I thought I was. I love how this has motivated me to get off of my phone and gain back my attention span. Reading and researching are extremely valuable in being able to accomplish this, and I’m eager to dedicate my time back to those activities.
My emotions during this process took me by surprise. I cried in anger, gratitude, forgiveness, and clarity. I learned a lot about the power of asking for help, and I’m more driven to figure out how to hop over hurdles, even after falling on my face.
For more information on Aysha and her work, visit www.ayshacharise.com
