Diego
DECONSTRUCTED SELF PORTRAIT
acrylic, copper wire on canvas
My work usually consists of
symbolism and self-portraiture, and in this particular piece I explored the
concept of frame and ‘breaking out’ of the boundary arranged by frame. I
thought of the symbol of the puppet and the obvious connotation to being controlled.
I then dug deep into his relationship with the puppeteer. Is the puppet
constantly attempting to break free? Is the puppeteer actually in control, or
is he/she being controlled as well?
I began to think of myself as the puppet, and the people and forces that seem to control my own life. A religious controlling mother, a traditional Hispanic manipulative father, or any other figure that may have control over me (i.e. celebrities, politicians, educators, lovers). My particular piece took shape when I envisioned the escape from such forces.
Through the use of my materials I was able to show the trickery and risk in the escape from such complicated forces of control. I was able to convey the paradox of being manipulated by those who may be manipulated themselves.
I love the concept being drawn in this piece. The captured shading in the puppeteers arm and the reflection in the puppet's arms and legs really gives a great effect of displaying exactly how a puppet appears to look like. The circular spiraling done near the cut out area reminds me of a hypnosis trick as it lures in the puppet and creates him to be stuck in that area, but he's able to sneak away. I really enjoy your color palette as well, of oranges, purples, and blues.
ReplyDeleteI like that your self portrait was influenced by outside forces, everyone looked within themselves to create this painting. I enjoyed reading your statement because I understand what it is like to have especially controlling parents and I can imagine myself trying to escape as well. The concept that you conveyed is great. The background on the canvas is interesting because of the color and design used. Because the copper is orange, it looks nice against the blue.
ReplyDeleteWoah! I like this piece a lot! You had a very thoughtful piece that reflects your point of view in a direct way. I like that the identify of the puppeteer is unknown. That provides a stand in to whatever person you described in your artist statement. I'm curious to know if the hand represents outside influence as a whole? Nice job with breaking the canvas and frame up.
ReplyDeleteI was taken by this piece conceptualy and I believe that we can all relate to this idea that we are all somewhat controlled. It is very interesting to take a step back with this piece and really think about those things that control our lives and I feel like it gives a satisfaction of understanding those factors in life. I feel like it executed the break of frame and I like how deep this painting can bring you in thought.
ReplyDeletereally cool how the figure turned out and you captured the style. also interesting idea of breaking the frame and composition that was executed well.although the background design and color is appealing I think it could be brought out more with color use overall good stuff
ReplyDeleteI think this is a great piece because I think it is something that everyone can relate to. I think it would have been really nice to see the puppet hand also pop out and break the frame as well, possibly as a sculpted piece. I like the design of the background because it kind of gives the sense of mind games, seeing as it starts at your head and moves outward. It might be interesting to go farther with this and have another part to this where you break out and show yourself controlling your own life.Overall it's simple but effective in its message.
ReplyDeleteThe themes of control and mastering one's own life shows very explicitly in this composition and i particularly love the renderings of the hand and yourself. the carefully rendered line work gives a distinct impression of toys or machine.
ReplyDeleteThe controller becomes the controlled. This is an interesting concept. After hearing how you felt that those who control you are controlled by things like their morals I wanted to feel bad for the puppeteer too. It also seems like the puppet feels bad for them for his puppeteer (he doesn't seem overly happy about leaving.) I think you did a great job controlling what you wanted the viewer to see in this painting. I also love the use of copper wire it think it adds more character than string would have.
ReplyDeleteThis piece is one of my favorites from this project, but also from your works that I've seen.
ReplyDeleteI think that you have handled the elements and composition very well. The puppet seems out of place color wise, but I find this to be a strength as it emphasizes the need to escape. The monochrome of the puppeteer's arm is an excellent choice on displaying the confining and oppressing image that a puppeteer's control would have over you.
I think this piece is very successful all around, and I think it leaves room for a szeries of works as well.
It is very well done with the concept and the visual stimulus. I like that the figure is escaping from the painting which is something you will rarely see in this form. For me one of my favorite parts is the copper wire and partly because it is so shiny. There is no part of this piece i find can be changed for the better because i like it exactly how it is.
ReplyDeleteThis piece is really great! I love the palate you chose for the background, and the complete opposite for yourself! The idea of escaping your puppeteers is really interesting and I think you've captured this really well! The use of copper wire is a little disjointed from the piece, as is it a completely different material and sheen to it, I am in love with it because it complements the blue tones, but at the same time it is distracting. I think you did a fantastic job!
ReplyDeleteThis is such an interesting piece for a self-portrait. Life is a swirling void and you are trying to escape your fate and make your own! The background color can be both pleasing and frightening, like drowning. The 3D materials give it the final touch that the piece needed, I think, for its full expression. I love looking at this. Very well done :)
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