IN THE GALLERY: SERIES 1
01
Femme Fatale
Resin, Iron and Copper
Sculpture (x2)
02
Forbidden Fruit
Resin, Iron and Copper
Painting (x2)
03
Black Mamba
Pencil, Acrylic and Watercolour on Paper (x2)
IN THE GALLERY
Femme Fatale:
Vol.1
Eve was God's original fatale woman, and the apple, which represents the knowledge of good and evil has replaced her head - a personification of her desire, as she leverages her sexuality to tear down the posterity of man. She tempts Adam to be complicit in a divinely forbidden pursuit of knowledge (and therefore power), thus luring him to his death, and with him, the rest of humankind.
The Femme Fatale therefore is born of the fear and desire experienced by men, confronted with women who deny the right of men to control female sexuality.
Femme Fatale:
Vol.2
The Femme Fatale now finds herself at a critical juncture, torn between the appeal of enslaving men with breast and lip, against the dissatisfaction, and perhaps even the perceived degradation of achieving power, only by means of entrapment, artifice, and seduction.
Turritopsis Dohrni: Vol.2
"Death - the longest life may fade and perish, but one moment can live and become immortal.”
Death, following a life lived well, or even one full regret, is one of the greatest gifts of all time - freedom from one of the worst fates imaginable - an eternity of suffering and loss.
Perhaps death also provides an opportunity for a new life - one that transcends the confinement of our human bodies – a legacy which allows us to cheat suffering, whilst ensuring the continuation of our lives through those we’ve inspired and enthused.
Forbidden Fruit:
Vol.1
Throughout history, in paintings by the likes of Caravaggio, the apple has been a mysterious and ambiguous symbol that reveals a mass of meanings and unites many opposing messages, from the embodiment of youth, to fertility, temptation and health.
In some cases, these apples would depict maggots tunneling through them to represent death and the impending doom of mortality. The Forbidden Fruit has sought to reduce the significance of the apple, and has replaced the maggot (with the obvious), to represent the opposite - life. Coupled with other fruit, this piece also touches on our consciousness of nakedness, eroticism, and variety.
Forbidden Fruit:
Vol.2
“I seem to have run in a great circle, and met myself again on the starting line.” - Jeanette Winterson, Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit”
The undertones of the Forbidden Fruit are personal. It talks to the journey of experiencing sexuality in its many different forms and how these experiences in part constitute our identity. Some of us like bananas, some grapes, some oranges, or perhaps a little of everything, and to varying degrees of preference.
Black Mamba:
Vol.1
Black Mamba Vol.1 emerges from the crucible of survival, embodying an unflinching commitment to portraying the intricate and often tumultuous journey of recovery.
Black Mamba:
Vol.2
Black Mamba Vol.2 is a stark and unapologetic expression of the survivor's truth, refusing to conform to society's desires for neatly packaged stories of redemption. It challenges us to confront the rawness of human experiences, acknowledging that the path to healing is complex, multifaceted, and unique for each individual. Through this painting, I invite you to delve into the depths of resilience and acknowledge the unyielding strength it takes to reclaim one's narrative, unadorned by artifice or gloss.
Kayanmata:
Vol.1
Kayanmata Vol.1 is an evocative sculpture that transcends time, drawing inspiration from the rich tapestry of pre-historic West African civilisation. It serves as a meditation on the enigmatic shadows that dance within the human soul, compelling us to confront the depths of our desires and temptations. Within it lies a profound exploration of our innate yearning for equilibrium, emphasising the indispensable need for peace and love to harmonise the complexities of existence.
Kayanmata:
Vol.2
Vol.2 captures the essence of these enigmatic waist beads, transcending time and place to symbolise the profound aspects of femininity, fertility, sensuality, and spiritual well-being. It invites us to delve into the intricate interplay between desire and restraint, shedding light on the timeless human pursuit of balance.
In a world brimming with complexities and temptations, this sculpture stands as a testament to the enduring quest for inner harmony, where the embrace of peace and love becomes our guiding light amidst the shadows.
South of the Border, West of the Sun:Vol.1
In a world often shrouded by conventions and pretenses, "South of the Border, West of the Sun" dares to strip away the layers of artifice, presenting naked figures that lay bare the raw authenticity of the human experience.
It stands as a testament to the unfiltered beauty of human connection, free from societal norms and expectations.
For me, this painting serves as a poignant reminder of the universal longing for connection, a desire that transcends borders and defies geographical constraints. The juxtaposition of the title hints at the allure of the unknown, beckoning us to explore uncharted territories of the heart and soul.
South of the Border, West of the Sun: Vol.2
To embrace our most primal instincts, to revel in the intoxicating rush of lust, and to acknowledge the power it wields over us all. It is a passionate exploration of human sensuality, a tribute to the fiery dance of desire, and a reminder that within the realm of lust, there exists a profound and timeless beauty.
