18 May - 27 July 2024 | Video
LISTEN TO ME / Portraits of the unconscious mind
Considering a colourisation of sleep to create a visual timeline, where each hour or minute of sleep is represented as a distinct segment within the artwork. This is achieved through a gradient that evolves across the canvas, portraying the ebb and flow of sleep cycles. Incorporating quantitative data, such as heart rate variability or brainwave frequencies, into the visual representation. This melding of science and art adds a dimension of analytical depth to the project, emphasizing the intersection between objective sleep data and subjective experience. Overlaying color-coded sleep patterns with lines that represent the dream content or emotional experiences during each of its stages. This adds a layer of personal narrative to the artwork, making it a reflection of the sleeper's subconscious mind I believe is quite unique to the creative process of an artist..
I have found that painting these portraits are akin to sculpting in stone, seeking to identify the form within, is a metaphorical and symbolic journey that resonates with the complexity and depth of the human psyche.
This challenge not only transforms the process of creation but also describes a profound understanding of the subject matter. The reliance on time as an integral element in expression adds an extra dimension, emphasizing the temporal nature of sleep and the fluidity of the subconscious.
Treating the paint as a living entity, allowing it to guide and shape the artwork is a beautiful metaphor for the organic and ever-changing nature of the human mind. The analogy of it being a puzzle further highlights the intricate and interconnected aspects of sleep and the subconscious, inviting viewers to engage with the artwork on a deeper, more contemplative level.
I feel I’m pushing the boundaries of my comfort zone by embracing a different approach to these paintings speaks to the authenticity in capturing the essence of sleep in a truly unique and personal way. It's a joy to envision how this series will evolve over the years, reflecting not only on artistic growth but also the ongoing exploration of the enigmatic realm of the subconscious mind.
The interplay between time, color extraction, and the unconventional approach to creating boundaries paints a vivid picture of the unique challenges and rewards embedded in this journey. The deliberate use of dark colors as a starting point and the subsequent extraction of desired tones reflect a metaphorical excavation of the subconscious. It's as if you are digging through the layers of the canvas to unearth the true essence of sleep, much like the way dreams and memories unfold in the recesses of the mind.
The playful and deceptive nature of the background color adds an element of unpredictability, mirroring the enigmatic and often elusive aspects of sleep itself. This approach, in which I must extract and reveal colours from the canvas, echoes the process of self-discovery and the gradual unfolding of the complexities within the human mind.
I believe this series goes against the grain of todays contemporary art. It embraces a process that challenges my own norms and unleashes a willingness to explore uncharted territories. As these works interact with society and elicit human feedback, they become not just paintings but dynamic expressions that I hope engage the viewer. The fusion of personal exploration, societal interaction and the contemplation of a world that can be challenging adds a layer of depth and relevance to the series.