‘Alien, Unknown, Experiment, Rectangle, Abnormal, Loss, Abstract, Bold, Lively, Uncomfortable.’

For my practice in art I have decided to challenge the idea of what is the social norm, what people believe the human figure should look like.

I chose the 10 words above because they help to give an overall perspective upon the physical nature given within my work.

My practice questions and manipulates the human figure in different ways. Taking away the idea of having an aesthetically pleasing image of the human figure. The use of having bold shapes and abstract colours to form what is known to be a face can be used to help question “why do we fall for symmetry?” and “why does skin tone matter?” The use of different shapes and colours dismantles the original image, changing the first impression of an individual. It creates a perspective; the viewer focuses more upon the emotion hidden within the image, rather than just the way that they look. It also makes the viewer feel uncomfortable, the feeling of seeing an alien instead of a person. Almost as though they are making a new form from their imagination.

As my practicing is growing and maturing I have found myself exploring new ways in which I can question the idea of “normal”.The image above is inspired by Martina Shapiro’s work. I chose to base this piece of her work because it allows me to expand my use of colour and media to help challenge, and create abnormal looking figures.