THE REAL QUESTION HERE IS,
WHO WEARS THE PANTS?
GEORGANS ("gee-organs") is a technique extension of the Geoyster ("gee-oyster") collection but the content is focused on human form. Identity and the way we choose to represent the different aspects of our own identity is a conversation I want to continue exploring through my work. The beauty, delicacy, and capacity of our skeletal systems is an under appreciated facet of our beauty as humans. When we strip away the clothing, the skin, the muscle & fat; our differences are hard to point out and we're reminded that our inner structures are all created in the same image.
An interesting part of this series in terms of process is that I am using unstretched pieces of canvas. This requires me to work on the floor, sitting on top of or reaching over the piece of work, as I work. It feels like a very primal process for me because I am extremely aware of my own body while I'm painting these enlarged representations of human form. I am either contorted into a strange position to reach a part of the canvas or I'm balancing on my tip toes to observe my progress. The Geoysters are all watercolor but in this collection I am using acrylic paint, trying to achieve watercolor texture in some areas.
I am also seeking to explore representation and identities that have existed in the different mediums and art forms throughout history. Traditionally, women were only known for being artisans, the textile or craft art being their arena to create, while fine art was limited to men. Each of these large pieces is composed of at least 2 panels of loose canvas. Each of the panels are hung by vintage pants hangers that were obviously only used by men, or the women who ironed and hung up their pants. The painting feels like fine art or "masculine", the fact that the canvas will hang loosely like a tapestry feels artisan/crafty or "feminine", and the real question here is who wears the pants?
(note//alien toes featured for scale)
I am also seeking to explore representation and identities that have existed in the different mediums and art forms throughout history. Traditionally, women were only known for being artisans, the textile or craft art being their arena to create, while fine art was limited to men. Each of these large pieces is composed of at least 2 panels of loose canvas. Each of the panels are hung by vintage pants hangers that were obviously only used by men, or the women who ironed and hung up their pants. The painting feels like fine art or "masculine", the fact that the canvas will hang loosely like a tapestry feels artisan/crafty or "feminine", and the real question here is who wears the pants?
(note//alien toes featured for scale)
Georgans Collection debut // Church on Morgan // May 5, 2017
