'affirmation' the bargate monument gallery
31 May-28 July 2006
This page offers you an insight into the concepts underpinning 'Affirmation'.
You can also link to interviews with the artist, offer your feedback
on the show and register for a chance to receive a limited edition print
of Misplaced.
The work is attempting to communicate, to stand up and have its say.
Although, it’s success is left to the subjective interpretation
from viewer, as there are no written explanations alongside the sculptures
or photographs, no verbal commentary over the film. Left then to the
viewer bringing something individual to the show, bringing their experiences,
their ‘hang-ups’ and concerns. So, ironic then that I have
entitled my latest show ‘Affirmation’ in that I felt it would
visualize my feelings, I would be making that stand to all who wished
to see but this is a language people are not so familiar with and confusion
will inevitably set in.
I am purposefully adding to this confusion through
the embodiment of my ideas in the production of ‘bodies’, particularly my ‘body’ becoming
canvas and subject. My initial concern fuelling the work is the level
of importance put upon and judgement of body/surface/image and in an
attempt to convey my response I am only adding to the ‘bodies’ on
view to be publically scrutinised.
Through the projection of a film covering the gallery wall showing an
obsessive routine of cleansing, plucking, concealing etc, I am attempting
to undo the discrete nature, these hidden or closeted acts of ‘feminine
disguise’ made public. After all, this body of mine/ this face
is only a moment in time. I am bound by my physicality but this shouldn’t
be upon what I am judged.
A triptych of canvases depicting varying states of female ’ness’ using
make-up, fat, chocolate and other viscous materials struggle to speak
to the viewer. It embodies the skeletal, sexual and suffering self – one
body moving through each state.
The work, which attempts to convey a solution,
a positive alternative depicts figurative sculpture and photography showing
myself as provider,
supporter, and carer for others before myself. Based on a parable showing
how a ‘heaven’ can be created here on Earth, a steel framework
acts as a cage to my body with elongated arms into knife and fork. If
I were to choose to feed myself, I would starve. It has become impossible
due to these metal attachments. In an attempt to offer some sort of answer
or alternative route, I am removing the focus/ importance away from the
self, image, surface and towards a more spiritual communication, beyond
the physical.
Your chance to be entered into the prize draw to receive a free limited
edition framed print of Misplaced (20x86cm) as shown above.
Simply click
here to submit your details by 27 July 2006
The winning entry will be notified by email on 28 July 2006. Please
allow 28 days for delivery which wil be free within the UK. Copyright
for this
work will remain with the artist. If you have any questions regarding
the prize draw or delivery please contact us.
Click here to view the Affirmation
exhibition page.
< back to news content
|