| Jeffrey Thompson | | Print | |
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672 18th Street My work focuses on a paradoxical and whimsical combination of still lifes and narrative paintings. Using toys (and other objects of absurdity), my work can be viewed either as still lifes of toys, or as scenes from great historical fictions starring heros and playthings of my childhood. The toy paintings address certain issues. One is a question of identity as in how I interpret their role as a nostalgic part of my childhood. For example, G.I. Joe was a potent symbol for me of acting out a msculine identity, as well as being a very desirable toy. Mr. and Mrs. Potato-Head represented problem solving and creativity, as well as a comforting reminder of domesticity. Amother issue I address has to do with veracity of subject matter because it takes close scrutiny to learn that they are in fact stii lifes and not scenes. They can be Either or both. In addition to this I incorporate juxtaposition of subject matter, with the organic, such as a flower or landscape, paired with the artificial or man made. I want to express this ambiguity or unkown of why these two different objects have this relationship or why they don't. To me they represent the void within a human condition, or desolation within all of us.
"Vacuum Cleaner Monster"
"Woody"
"The Assassination of Captain America" |
