“21 Reasons Why I’m a Bad Person” a print by David
At first glance, I believed this print to have an extent of technical difficulties, but with further observation, and also knowing David, it occurred to me that these supposed difficulties were perhaps actually intentional. The imagery, consisting of hand written sentences, is printed on sheets of the same size but in various neutral tones. The prints have been stacked on top of each other and with the exception of one, all have been cut to reveal the sheet that is underneath, and while all the rectangular cuts vary in size, it is apparent that great effort went into revealing the writing that has been printed on the paper. This writing simply reinforces the theme revealed by the title. All the sentences, twenty-one to be precise, begin with “I’m sorry,” which leads one to believe that this person is actually apologizing for what he considers to constitute him as a “Bad Person” according to our society, or is he simply being sarcastic and making a mockery of it all?
This work relates to all forms of context, I consider it to be cultural, social and psychological and the piece also seems to find a place within the context of the art world. It is possible to infer that the many layers of paper having been stacked together relate to the social and psychological states that David might experience. Socially David, is exposing his apologetic sarcasm to the viewer and making a commentary on the idea, that however bad his manners may be considered by society, this is who he is. Psychologically, it is supposed that although he is making a mockery of it all, perhaps there is a psychological want or need to be apologetic, which perhaps is why the writings are blotchy, which at first appeared to be technical difficulties, later seemed to reveal a deeper meaning. It is inherent that David cannot strip himself from his sarcastic nature and perhaps the blotchiness is representing the sarcasm that overtakes and in a way overshadows the apologies by distracting from them. This idea is reinforced by the cut out layers of paper that in the end lead to the solid one, and no matter how he may try to cut away at his sarcasm, this last solid sheet represents the inevitable reality of his psychological make-up embedded in the sarcasm that he cannot eliminate. This is his innate nature. It is easier and safer to live a world shielded by sarcasm, always playing social one-upsmanship, than to be exposed in vulnerability.
If David was intending to portray his sarcastic vulnerability, then he has been successful. David’s piece is definitely interesting and draws attention. The viewer seems to be mesmorized by the cuts and layers, and by the opposing factors of perfection and imperfection. The viewer is drawn in further in wanting to read what is written. In the writing we find the the apologies with underlying sarcasm. His manner of displaying his work is imaculate and yet the writing on the paper leaves much to be desired. Despite knowing that his piece was intentionally blotchy, I cannot separate myself from the idea that it was due to technical difficulties. I know that the blotchiness is necessary for the piece to reflect David’s ideas, but the manner in which it was applied seems to distract from the image, rather than reinforce it. If David had executed this blotchiness in another manner I might not feel this way…perhaps. I admit to being jaded by previous experiences and therefore biased. Therefore, I could be wrong, but this is my opinion after all.
It’s funny that the first sentence points out a seemingly abundant amount of technical difficulties. This idea of problematic execution is what I consider one of my main themes, not only in my work but in my life. Could these difficulties or errors have been intentional or just developed by forces beyond our (my) control? I often find myself spending exorbitant amounts of time alone, with nothing to do and no hope of receiving a phone call to change that fact. This leads me to consider what actions have been done on my part to have created this reality. Have I conducted my life thus far in such a way that I am unbearable, and a burden? Which leads to these trains of thought, ones that are often self-critical.
ReplyDeleteI have always refused to produce an apology, even for the simplest of things. Perhaps my tombstone will bear the phrase “I refuse to repent for my sins” boldly etched into the surface. I feel as though clarity can only be reached over time, delivering an apology takes thought and reflection. Events happen at one point in time, but at another point (no matter how far apart) the perception of than event will have been altered. I hesitate to comment on things that “feel” too close in time, two days is hardly enough to generate a full understanding of a situation. In some cases two years still feels to close.
This print comes from this place among others. Each one of the 21 apologies is truthful and the person eligible for that apology will most likely never receive it. Each apology references a point that I identify as a break in the relationship between me and the person it is intended for. These sorts of breaks are something that everyone has experienced, and I feel as thought anyone can relate to. For me the real interest lies in the language that has been used to convey the message. Even when I try to be honest, a form of distaste and sarcasm comes out. I am incapable of being honest and nice even when that is my only intention. This print to me comments on human interaction, the construct of the human condition by way of society, relationships, the value of relationships. These comments are made through me, I make my self an example of these issues. Though as Susana pointed out, there is an element of “mockery” in the work.
In terms of the print as a form, I was thinking about many things. I relate many aspects of the print as phases of time and attitude. The three colors of paper, and ink are explorations of this change. Each print is identical to the next, thought they appear different. Interaction between value, and saturation between the ink and the color of the paper are stand ins for changes of state and time. The stacking of the prints is another way to develop a feeling of time, as the stack descends the collation facilitates the change from withe to black. The “technical difficulties” that blur the words, and hide the message are intended to destroy clarity. The removal of layers of paper is a way to show change, and honesty. The lowest level of the print is the apology that I most wish to deliver. I wanted this print to convey a large amount of information so I tried to construct it in a way that would be the most activating for the viewer. The fact that this image becomes decorative in a way was intended. Everyone deals with issues everyday, so I wanted to take issues of interest and transform them into decorative objects. The aesthetic appeal of the image can either enhance or diminish the power of the subject matter, its up to the viewer to determine the level of importance.
For the most Part Susana was extremely accurate in her exploration of this work. I was glad to hear that she was able to pull so much information and though provocation form the image. I feel that this assessment will only wear on my mind as I continue to work with these themes. So, thank you Susana this feels helpful to me.