Big Bang

Kirk Hopper Fine Art, March-April 2016

In my art-making process, I use a variety of commonplace, discarded, domestic objects combined with traditional art making materials to compose sculptural forms that are subsequently cast, cut, drilled and scraped to reveal the “guts” or the polished veneer of the matter.

Through this process, I curate selected forms that become-or represent-specific, symbolic codes or grammar that speak to the physical and spiritual concerns of the human condition – specifically, the force of attraction to temporal concerns in\ this ephemeral, transitory world in which we live and the ever compelling drive for power.

“Big Bang addresses desire and human initiative in light of the [obvious] awareness of our ultimate end – a seemingly contrary companion on life’s journey.”

With this body of work, I investigate the conundrum of this reality with various sculptures that symbolize the gravity, pathos and, sometimes, comedic state of the human situation and the quest for an exit plan or possibility of redemption.

Various works throughout “Big Bang” symbolize this pursuit, while the shape of the circle or oval, a symbol of unity, wholeness and eternity, sharply counters the
conceptual dialogue with darker forces of potential evil.

The large oval “Kingdom” (fractured), reflects an image of a fallen mythic civilization and vestiges of the vicious cycle of incessant warfare – While the “Gun Ball” sculpture comedically constructed of cast foam, makes light of the drive for bigger and better weaponry. Throughout this exhibit, images of various forms of one-upmanship appear on several works, bringing to mind the ever moving target of our fears, and the identity of our “enemy” of which is constantly in flux.

These works speak of a larger than life desire and incessant drive to make one’s mark, at the expense of possible destruction of this human race – bringing one to contemplate life’s ultimate meaning and negotiate the bigger questions.