CreatorNathan TaylorTitleNew found freedomDate2011MediumAcrylic on boardDimensionsH. 50cm x W. 106cm x D. 1cmArtist StatementThe most compelling physical representation of our consumer-based culture is rubbish. "New-found freedom" is part of a series which investigates this concept as a self-destructive behaviour or social habit and a culture addicted to a disposable lifestyle.
This work explores the genre of contemporary Australian landscape painting coupled with the traditions of still life. This work specifically echoes ideas of vanitas painting from the 16th and 17th centuries, which use objects to represent decay, the transient nature of pleasure and even death.
"New-found freedom" shows a familiar product carelessly discarded in a public space. Playfully narrative, suggesting fleeting indulgence, guilty pleasure and finally abandoned self-disgust. Like many vanitas works, the subject is aesthetically composed and executed as well as attractive to the eye. But in reality this scene would repel and induce feelings of revulsion.
This contrast also highlights how we are disassociated from our actions which impact on the environment. It also implies minimal self-respect through junk food indulgence, again mirroring the lack of reverence we have for the environment. The title "New-found freedom" cynically suggests how the relentless demand that we put on the landscape and an increasing reluctance to change our routine behaviour will eventually see our own demise.
My painting habits are much ritualised. They are structured around the organised and premeditated approach of my technique, both methodical and meticulous. This disciplined approach is integral for me to meet my high level of self-expectation. Pushing my practice by tackling harder subjects in more complicated compositions is also important. In doing so I'm continually learning new ways of working and tuning my ability to communicate ideas effectively.
Painting has become the ultimate process of appreciation. The act of creating from concept to execution represents my relationship with the work. On completion I feel the work should exist for the viewer. The ability to share my ideas through painting is an important and enjoyable part of the creative process.
On average each work takes eight weeks to complete painting full time. Each composition is broken down to its bare elements, understanding and valuing every facet of its visual makeup. This results in a process of micro-painting; deconstruction, abstracting each element and then rebuilding. The painting is finished after this ritual is complete and the image restored. The process is akin to that of doing a jigsaw puzzle, placing in the final piece and seeing the image for the first time.
This invested relationship with each painting is vital. Because of my concentrated admiration for every minute detail of the most mundane things my studio habits and painting techniques help me come to terms with the complexity and saturation of visual information in every day life.
Realism is a rewarding way of appealing to a broad audience base. The ability to communicate ideas succinctly is an integral part of my practice. I think painting as a visual language has great substance and realism has an honest message.Accession Number017.2018Access AdviceFor research purposes only. No reproduction without permission of Yarrila Arts and Museum.
