Assessment 2: The Human Illusion of Perfection.
While working through and researching human evolution in the first assessment, I learned a lot of things about how humanity acts as a whole. I looked at this through retrospect, marking historical events and tendencies that humans are known for in the past, motivated by discontent. Iâm continuing this study of âwhat defines a humanâ by considering the present and how it leads into the future.
I arrived at this by exploring deeper into various other tumblr blogs, searching up key words that may incite some inspiration. I found some interesting views on the present as well as the future - most of which were concerned with humans rigorous strive for perfection at any cost, which in itself is complaining about a lack of perfection. Improving technology has undoubtedly become the key aspect of contemporary human nature, some might say at a rate that is too fast for society and culture to keep up with. Thus, my body of work explores the inherit desire to improve and perfect, which could prove to be detrimental. Furthermore, a common theme amongst my works is the self glorification of people, whom regard themselves above all other forces of nature; as somewhat angels that walk the earth - hence the angelic auras that surround the humans.
Having done my first assessment by hand, I wanted to explore a medium that was slightly more advanced, as well as used heavily in modern society. I have experimented with editing in the past and found it to prove rather successful in reappropriating images in order to convey a message. My pieces attempt to juxtapose modern ideals with traditional ones. This is done by taking classic Renaissance paintings and editing them through photoshop, replacing elements with contemporary iconography. This also, in a sense, desecrates such works as they are notably revered by society, by replacing familiar elements with unsettling imagery. Whilst being developed digitally, I decided to bring about the physical form by printing the images on parchment card and framing them, as the frame incites a more traditional display of art. The size is also important, as traditionally, larger was considered better - it exerted more power and inspired awe; however, modern society values small, even micro sizes as they prove to be more efficient, showing off the change in values. In addition to this, when I originally created the pieces I gave them names (much like the works themselves) that were similar to the original but with slight altercation to further convey the message. However, I later started to look at them under their original names and realised that they were a lot more powerful as such - as they further contrast traditional values to contemporary behaviours. I also discovered my chosen artworks through browsing popular renaissance works that I believe would exude connection with most audience members due to familiarity with the works as well as their values.
My first piece âMadonna and Childâ, was a product of what I initially thought of when asking myself what maternal figure current society has. Not a Terminator per se, but machines, computers; performing all sorts of tasks that previously were never thought possible - particularly at such speed. The development of such technology has been a product of making everyday lifestyle easier. As a result of this, we have machines completely surrounding us, and even to an extent taking care of us. For the machine provides, as mothers do.
My second piece has many original interpretations, but is overall parodising the depiction âMichael slays Luciferâ. Michael is the righteous, doing the Lordâs work; and Lucifer is the evil who must be slain for there to be peace. This piece attempts to satirise this arrangement by placing a deer (representing nature) at the mercy of a construction worker (representing industrial progress).
My third piece is based off Primavera, which is Latin for spring. Most of this work has been removed and is rather crowded. Iâve done this to exude a desolation of flourishing nature. The people have been replaced with industrial developers, and the natural scene has been discoloured and distorted. This piece deals with the consequences of such aggressive progress, as well as exemplifies the God-complex of people over nature - regarding it as a mere resource for exploitation.
My fourth strongly contrasts the differing values between the Renaissance context and modern ones. Many Renaissance works were dedicated to that of God as well as biblical stories/mythos, yet in this piece (being the Creation of Adam) I remove God entirely and prioritise the stars, representing exploration, experimentation and the investigation of science.
Before coming up with my final piece I found some images that I found interesting when searching âexplorationâ, of small figures traversing a naked body. This inspired the need to appropriate a piece that shows contemporary ideals that strive and promote the âperfectâ body. This piece is satirising the Birth of Venus, which was originally the symbol of pure beauty - to which I appropriate to a modern audience.
As a collective, my body of work is designed around the notion that whilst humans consider them above all else, they still strive for perfection at any cost, which is becoming more clearly to be a catastrophic trait in human evolution.
