Icons project. I have developed work within the Icons project. I had not intended to use recognisable Icons, but use the influence of the structured posing and stylised imagery to inspire a range of works. We are surrounded by modern, enhanced imagery, but even the old masters would stylise their sitters for portraits, to portray their power or wealth etc. In the 50’s and 60’s photographs would be surrounded with film set staging. I wanted to capture the false nature of this, within the real environment of urban living and landscapes of today. I also wanted to produce pieces which recognise the stylised areas which form Icons of today, such as fashion and music, without individuals.
Envy forms part of the Icons project. This piece considers the effect of Icon worship and the pain of envy. The false imagery and resulting expectations, in my opinion, causes a lot of pain and distorted self image for many, but especially young people.