James Park
Trinity Grammar School
BOUND - THE HUMAN CONDITION
Drawing
Graphite on paper
As human beings we learn that suffering is inevitable. We are slaves to our own desires, perceptions and thoughts, bound by the transience of mortality. Each figure represented in my body of work is incognito, with the intent of creating an unsettling sense of ambiguity, prompting the audience's interpretation through personal experiences of restriction and/or suffering. Surreal objects are presented suspended in the air, appearing at once hopeful and vaguely ominous. While there may be freedom in humanity we are ultimately imprisoned by the foreboding force of our passing from this Earth... from the light into the shadows.
My artmaking practice has been influenced by the study and interpretation of the following artists: Radek Husak, Jesse Stern, René Magritte, Jono Dry.
Marker's Commentary
Entitled, Bound - the Human Condition, the subjects in this series consist of four human figure charcoal drawings which utilise the strength of high contrast in dark atmospheric backgrounds. These wrapped body forms are treated in a hyper-realistic manner through intricate tonal rendering and confident portrayal of the anatomy in the round. Each figure references the traditions of Classical and Hellenistic sculpture through the close study of muscular forms, marble-like surfaces and proportion. The objects depicted make a strong reference to Surrealism, reminiscent of the work of Dali. Additionally, the incorporation of mysterious light sources creates further obscurity for audience intrigue.