The anxious actor
Abstract
The collection of paintings and drawings constituting the thesis exhibition The Anxious Actor are rooted within the visual language of contemporary realist figurative painting and drawing, with a focus on the male body. Traditionally in western culture, the depiction of the human form, both male and female, has sought to reinforce hierarchical constructions and meta-narratives implicit in religious and imperialistic structures. I paint and draw my own body as subject, exploring personal narratives that contradict these pre-existing notions. As a queer man interested in the vocabulary of realist figurative painting, my body is a catalyst for my fascination with stereotypic masculine portrayals.
Utilizing historic themes of male bravado, heroism and narcissism I juxtapose the mundane realities of everyday contemporary life. My narratives are situated within the complex visual languages of Neo-classical, Baroque, Rococo and Renaissance style painting. These specific pictorial vocabularies add both psychological and metaphoric weight to my conceptual process; locating my marginalized identity within historic and contemporary archetypes.
Degree
Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A)Department
Art and Art HistoryProgram
Art and Art HistoryCommittee
Fowler, Graham; Biggs, C. Lesley; Bell, Lynne; Norlen, AlisonCopyright Date
2008Subject
masculine stereotypes in art
queer bodies in representation
the male nude in contemporary art
stereotypic representations of gay men
painting the male body
drawing the male body