Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Keywords
Art, digital illustrations, portraits, otherness
Department
Art and Art History
Major
Art
Abstract
We all experience the same world, yet this experience manifests itself differently within each individual. Innumerable works of art, pieces of literature, musical compositions or creations can occur at any time within the private mind of an individual, but would never happen unless outwardly expressed. In this oral presentation I will address my artistic body of work, entitled "The Extimate Mind." In this series of digital illustrations —specifically portraiture—I explore the inner workings of the mind as it is revealed through exterior gesture. The compositions within each portrait are characterized by diagonal shapes with isolated figures in stark backgrounds, highlighting the gesture of the figures. The vague backgrounds and settings put emphasis on the gesture of the isolated forms, rather than the environment surrounding the forms. In this way, the viewer is able to focus solely on the feelings or emotions emanating from the figure. Similarly, I use an achromatic color scheme to convey aspects of humanity that remain atemporal: the spirit and legacy of human experience. This black and white color palette creates a sense of immutability which parallels the timelessness of humanity. There is a certain unexpectedness in truly perceiving the emotions broadcast in an expression or action. Encountering this "otherness" entreats an exploration wherein the viewer can simultaneously feel connected yet separate from the individual. In so candidly portraying the figure to the viewer, my work can possibly expand the inner world to the outer, in what Lacanian theory would define as "extimacy." Extimacy, the spliced neologism of externality and intimacy, enables the viewer to grasp the movement of emotion between the “self” and the “other.” Therein the viewer can find an intricate truth shared between themselves and humanity.
Faculty Mentor
Gretchen Batcheller
Funding Source or Research Program
Summer Undergraduate Research Program
Presentation Session
Session C
Location
Plaza Classroom 188
Start Date
21-3-2014 5:15 PM
The Extimate Mind
Plaza Classroom 188
We all experience the same world, yet this experience manifests itself differently within each individual. Innumerable works of art, pieces of literature, musical compositions or creations can occur at any time within the private mind of an individual, but would never happen unless outwardly expressed. In this oral presentation I will address my artistic body of work, entitled "The Extimate Mind." In this series of digital illustrations —specifically portraiture—I explore the inner workings of the mind as it is revealed through exterior gesture. The compositions within each portrait are characterized by diagonal shapes with isolated figures in stark backgrounds, highlighting the gesture of the figures. The vague backgrounds and settings put emphasis on the gesture of the isolated forms, rather than the environment surrounding the forms. In this way, the viewer is able to focus solely on the feelings or emotions emanating from the figure. Similarly, I use an achromatic color scheme to convey aspects of humanity that remain atemporal: the spirit and legacy of human experience. This black and white color palette creates a sense of immutability which parallels the timelessness of humanity. There is a certain unexpectedness in truly perceiving the emotions broadcast in an expression or action. Encountering this "otherness" entreats an exploration wherein the viewer can simultaneously feel connected yet separate from the individual. In so candidly portraying the figure to the viewer, my work can possibly expand the inner world to the outer, in what Lacanian theory would define as "extimacy." Extimacy, the spliced neologism of externality and intimacy, enables the viewer to grasp the movement of emotion between the “self” and the “other.” Therein the viewer can find an intricate truth shared between themselves and humanity.