Final Project Statement- "When the Water is Sweet"

Natalie Frisinger

Lia Halloran

Advanced Painting

Final Statement

My final series, entitled “When The Water is Sweet” is a thoroughly autobiographical set of pieces addressing plural levels of relationship and identity assessments. First and foremost, the physical dynamic and tension between the figures attempts to urge the viewer to consider the tension and interaction between the figures. This is in service to the presentation of specific relationships in my life. Strongly influenced by Zackary Drucker's series of photographs entitled "relationship", my work attempts to chronicle, in a single image, the nature of t

hese relationships. Thus, while not depicting various moments as stand-ins for a holistic image, my work attempts to select a specific, fictional image to embody said relationships.

On a broader level, the choice to present those specific relationships is one, which attempts to convey an on-going exploration of sexual identity. The choice to depict un-clothed figures lends itself to the sense of vulnerability, which surrounds such an exploration. Consequentially the mere communication of a sense of interaction between the figures is one that inherently suggests a physical, sexual relationship. Thus, the seeming lack of interaction between the two female figures in the top painting is one, which goes further than an exploration of sexual and physical contact. Rather, it expresses a far more emotive conversation between the figures. As such, I chose to create the semblance of great distance between the figures, where one seems to disappear back into the space created on the canvas (her face and expression completely erased from the piece), as the other faces away from her. This highlights the intention to communicate a strong sense of tension and shame. In sharp contrast (though depicted using the same palette), the second piece is one, which communicates a far more physical aspect of sexuality, whereby the figures are in physical contact with one another.

Strongly influenced by the works of Rebecca Campbell, my series creates almost surreal, mystic environments that do not shy away from a raw exploration of difficult and personal material. In addition my work attempts to embrace her expression of feminine beauty and power captured in climactic-like scenes bursting with movement and energy.