Shyama Golden’s upcoming exhibition at PM/AM, titled “Too Bad, So Sad, Maybe Next Birth,” delves into the artist’s childhood experiences and the concept of reincarnation. Drawing inspiration from her parents’ phrase, Golden weaves a narrative through lush paintings featuring surreal details and a recurring blue-faced character.
The exhibition is structured as a four-act performance, with each painting telling a part of the mystical story. Through a series of diptychs, Golden explores the interplay between personal agency and larger forces that shape our identities. The artworks visualize alternative pasts, inviting viewers to contemplate themes of resilience, fate, and collective experiences.
At the heart of “Too Bad, So Sad, Maybe Next Birth” is Maya, Golden’s blue-faced alter ego inspired by Sri Lankan folklore tricksters. The character’s presence in the paintings symbolizes a deeper exploration of unexpected violence, death, and the human capacity for resilience. Through contrasting scenes and self-portraits, Golden delves into themes of fame, erasure, and the ever-changing boundaries that define us.
In addition to her oil paintings, Golden is collaborating on an animated video project with her husband, director Paul Trillo. The project involves building an AI model trained on Golden’s paintings, sparking a conversation about artistic influence and the myth of the lone genius. Golden challenges the notion of the singular artist figure and questions the narrative of self-mythologizing in the art world.
“Too Bad, So Sad, Maybe Next Birth” will be on display in London from May 23 to July 1. For more of Shyama Golden’s work, visit her website and Instagram. The exhibition promises to be a thought-provoking exploration of identity, resilience, and the interconnectedness of artistic influence.
