ARTIST STATEMENT
My artwork, Ketaatanku, reflects devotion, followers of a religion have, to the point of death. Sacrifice is symbolic of devotion, whether it be personal items, drink, food, or life, it is praised and seen as an achievement others should strive towards. Ketaatanku means ‘my devotion’ in my mother’s language, which is represented in the praying skeleton, symbolising dedication and repentance from sin, to your bones and the structure of your being, after death. My own religious upbringing, gave me insight to the interconnectedness of a country’s culture and religion through colonisation, Salvation, and sacrifice, being idolised as ultimate devotion.
ARTWORK PROCESS
I got the idea for my painting from the song Time by Pink Floyd and from a cross necklace I lost. I planned it to only be a background of tree rings and a hand holding sand but later changed my plans. I painted a plain background with an ochre wash, then painted the tree rings overtop. I sketched out different ideas but decided on a skeleton praying, based off the idea of lifelong devotion to a religion or deity.
