Project 2 - (Image Interface) Examined

For project 2 titled Examined, I referenced images of various x-rays of my hands taken at different angles. I’ve recently had to undergo various medical tests for health reasons after my doctor noticed an irregularity in my blood. I’ve been experiencing joint pain through out my body, the worst pain unfortunately has always been in my hands. Hands are obvious one of the most vital tools for a human being, however, to be an artist and to have the mobility of my hands threatened, it’s a reality check both mentally and physically. The first time I ever really experienced a ‘trigger’ at night, I remember feeling like my joints was lubricated by acid, any movement made created this grinding ache. No one can really explain or begin to understand something unless they’ve experienced themselves, this is something I remind myself daily.

Presented at an almost mirror of myself, slightly larger than real life, the viewer approaches a black and white female subject of the artist covering her breasts directly over with painted skeletal hands. It is important to take obvious notice of the detailed map of my hands, in parallel to the grey-scale wash paints a soft never-ending unrefined seascape of reflecting pools that seems hauntingly eternal. Water is an important influence in my artwork as I’ve always been fascinated by its illusionistic qualities and our almost unnoticed presence with it though out our life. Not only is it a key element for the creation of life; the emergence of a women from water- innocence and creation, presents a paradox to life associating with fluids that are not only found in nature but in ourselves. Illustrating myself in a submissive downturned pose, I felt that this encompassed my vulnerability and naivety to the situation present. I myself am quite new and am learning about my health problems.

 

Artist Inspiration: 

Ahmad Zakii Anwar:

Charmaine Olivia:

 I originally pulled inspiration from artist Ahmad Zakii Anwar, the striking structure of his compositions of hyper-realistic charcoal drawing on stark white paper cut the body in half. This illusion creates a visceral reaction and relationship with the viewer to the human body where Anwar’s subjects demonstrate the impossibility of being godlike. Put in empowering poses in un-natural and awkward angles, almost uncomfortable looking. Anwar’s art deals more the western critical conditions where the artist considers the audience’s experience with the art. I considered this experience and was a key factor as to why I kept to a grey-scale when painting. To keep the over all calm and dreamlike quality to the painting that still holds detail and value in the hands. I also pulled from the San Franciscan female artist Charmaine Olivia. Her series Ritual explores the female skeletal form bringing in notes of fantasy and surrealistic imagery. With haunting beauty, Olivia investigates the translucency of skin to bone with oil paint and addresses the balance of delicacy and strength within her work. Within these pieces the figure holds a strong presence in each piece yet is oddly vulnerable, similarly to what I was interested in illustrating.