Abigail Gan

My work explores the physical and emotional realities of living with scoliosis, focusing on the weight, imbalance, and quiet endurance that come with chronic pain. I use materials such as wood and clay to reflect both the structure and fragility of the body, shaping and bending them to mirror the discomfort and resilience of my own spine.

An expression of this idea appears in my sculpture Modern Day Torture, where I examine the physical constraints of living with scoliosis and the often painful nature of corrective devices. Drawing from the history of corsetry, medical intervention, and their lingering aftereffects, the piece holds a tension between what is seen and what is endured. Soft fabric gathers and yields, while rigid metal wire resists and confines, creating a dialogue between vulnerability and restriction. The body here is both supported and held in place, caught in a balance that is never entirely stable.

In addition, I explore transformation as a visual language for healing and growth. In a previous painting, I concealed the image of a butterfly within layers of texture and abstraction, allowing it to gradually emerge from the surface. This use of texture becomes a way of revealing, giving form to a new self in the process of becoming. The butterfly appears to rise from the spine, embodying both growth and the intensity of chronic pain.

Together, these works suggest that the body is not a fixed form, but a vessel carrying pain, memory, and transformation at once. Although my process is deeply personal and rooted in my experiences, I want viewers to see reflections of their own struggles and journeys of renewal within the work.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abigailgan_art/