Statement of intent, i hope.....

I feel it is very important to highlight that my work is more social experiments than of an aesthetic value. Although I did start my last project trying to understand aesthetics the notion of approach and interaction of a viewer is more stimulating to me.
In the later part of my last project I was painting in small scale and became focused on how a viewer was approaching and interacting with a piece of work. The size, orientation and positioning can all contribute to this but how is a picture read when all the fundamentals have been subtracted?
I am planning on taking away the main focus of an image and see how the remainder of the piece is interpreted. This maybe taking away small parts or completely erasing the image altogether. I plan on taking away the elements by scratching, rubbing or using a chemical reaction. I will be looking at using iconic images that people can build a relationship with, either from recent media or an historical event/person(s). This then proposes the question how will this iconic image be interpreted once tarnished? In the past I have painted very small scale (2” x 2”) and I still want to attempt this size but feel I need to range myself in different scales and not restrict myself. I will be using a variety of media and various surfaces. I also need to research with different mark making tools for the tarnishing of the image and into various chemicals. It is also important that I complete a range of studies, experiments and practices before producing a final image as I need to figure the boundary of subtraction and when it just becomes a lost image.

The Bluebells

'The Bluebell Woods' 2011
Oil on Canvas
7cm x 120cm

The start of something...

'Untitled series' 2010
Oil on Acetate

3 paintings 4cm x 7cm approx

Medium upon this surface gave a shiny residue. They have potiential to become a series and move people in a greater amount. The paint in the background has been rubbed away to show the image underneath. Posing the question why paint on photographs? I liked these images and thought they could really work. When a passive comment was made about how it takes you on a journey thought this could be an interesting idea to play with.

On approach to work the viewers pushed to see them. How can I create an image that many can observe at the same time?

The work became black and white as I wanted to experiment how a lack of colour can alter visual aesthetics of an image. They did not warm to the images as I had hoped but maybe this is because there is no narrative or cryptic to untangle. Need substance for Black and White images.