Conflict

Opening Reception April 13, 6.30pm

Armstrong Gallery
Kent State University CAED April 13 - May 15

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“Conflict” addresses the relationship between contemporary culture and architecture with the use of the obscured ‘icon’. Disembodied pieces of familiar forms are sampled and reassembled to produce a new figure; the hybrid icon. These ideas are extended to the graphic representations of these forms, where line, silhouette and color reveal the hidden figures. It is apparent that the icon is recognizable even when reduced to the most basic version of itself.

The installation alludes to ideas of three dimensionality conflicting with two dimensionality through form, volume and graphic representation. This is achieved through the volumetric play of the ‘flattened sculptures’ juxtaposed against the graphics, which are comprised of silhouettes, curves and discontinuous textures. The tension between flatness and voluptuousness is most apparent where image, surface and form compete to produce indefinite figures. No longer wanting to be depicted in their two dimensional graphic form, the figures peal away to become full-bodied masses. Stripped from all color and materiality, the details of the volumes are revealed through light and shadow.

Scale becomes an important factor in the depiction of the ‘flattened’ sculptures; the scale of these ‘hybrid icons’ are designed to be compared to the human body. The confrontation of the five foot figures is similar to that of the mascot in costume; however, less intimidating and more personable. Their ‘life-sized’ nature adds to the perverse insinuation that the pieces could come to life at any moment. Viewers are encouraged to photograph themselves with the figures as part of the exhibit, as contemporary culture is obsessed with becoming an icon.

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Decal: Repros Graphics 

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