ARTIST STATEMENT
In tumultuous times, many find themselves in contemplation of life’s profundity. Subsequently, many turn to existentialism to find meaning. 'A Homage to Past Expressions' explores existentialism and the brevity of life through the appropriation of work by deceased artists, each established upon a symbolic backdrop of different influences which may obfuscate the ability to find meaning in a contemporary society. Whether it be recreational media consumption (illustrated through sheet music); the confines of capitalism (receipt dockets) or the barrage of news media (symbolised by newspaper) shaping our worldview, the ability to form an authentic conclusion about “the point of life” is increasingly difficult.
ARTWORK PROCESS
The first canvas 'The Skeleton of our Nature' was created using coloured pencil, cut out and pasted onto a collage of sheet music. It is an appropriation of Van Gogh’s ‘Skull of a Skeleton with Burning Cigarette’. The second, 'Memories of Mona', was created using charcoal and qraphite aquarelle, cut out and pasted onto a collage of shop receipts. It is an appropriation of Leonardo Da Vinci’s ‘Mona Lisa’. The third, 'David’s Dilapidation' was created by with graphite pencil, cut and glued onto a collage of newspaper. It is an appropriation of Michelangelo's ‘David’.
