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

Share

COinS
 
Mar 21st, 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.

 

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