I want to create large-scale prints that evoke a sense of mystery and depth between recognizable images. The images will exist within an abstract arrangement of shapes and intense, vibrant color. The goal of the images is to take the viewer out of the context of their lives and make them feel like they are in a different time and space. It is supposed to evoke a new way of thinking. By seeing two seemingly unrelated objects within the context of an abstract print and outside of the viewer’s comfort zone, new relationships begin to form between the objects and the cultural and psychological weight that they carry. I hope that viewing these images in this context will provoke new ways of thinking about existing cultures and philosophies.
Which recognizable objects I am going to use in my prints has not been determined. The objects that I use must be culturally relevant and also thought provoking when viewed in the context of the prints. As of now, I am thinking of only putting two images within each print, but that is subject to change. More complex relationships may be established with a greater amount of recognizable images, but a more powerful and simple relationship may be made with fewer images.
In order to create a feeling of being in a new space, the location and presentation of the prints must be well planned and executed. Simply placing the prints on a wall in a gallery will not suffice. There needs to be complete attention given to the prints with no peripheral distractions. Also the viewer needs to feel detached from the gallery (or whatever building the work is displayed in). As of now, I think the prints should exist in a large room with lights illuminating only the prints. The viewers will exist in darkness as they observe the images. The passage into the room should feel uncomfortable, almost scary, as if the viewers shouldn't be going into this room. The entire experience of viewing the work should disconnect them from any type of environment or state of mind they were in before they view the prints.
Artist James Turrell seems to have a strong understanding of the space in which he works. He understands how to manipulate light in order to influence how people perceive it. My goal is to achieve a similar affect using different materials. Takashi Murakami has also recently influenced me. His work uses flat planes of color to create elaborate images of very anime based imagery. Although I am not as inspired by anime, I would like to create similar connections to specific cultures and also give my work the same vibrant and surreal quality. I also want to explore the use of non-rectangular surfaces to compose my prints on as seen in Frank Stella’s work.
The Prints will exist on paper and I will create them through woodcarving and hand printing. Some painted elements may be added to help construct the images. Some prints may be spread across multiple sheets of paper and be presented adjacent to each other. I hope to have at least three finished prints by the end of March. Finding a space in Ann Arbor is also a concern of mine. I want to have at least 3 places in mind where I will present my work by January. The presentation of the prints is almost more important than the prints themselves.
