Portrait of 21st Century Man, 2023 Photograph - Limited Edition of 20

Part of Dialogic Diptych - Methods of Communication An edition of 20 framed prints using lustre semi-gloss paper to accentuate the contrast in the image, framed with simple, high quality, sustainable wood with anti-reflective plexiglass. A 50/50 mix of black and walnut frames. I invite the viewer to consider how might we best optimise our use of methods of communication to bring us closer to ourselves, others and the world around us? Methods such as bread, traditionally a religious symbol of communion, all the way to the present with our use of images and the screen. “We are sedated and seduced by images and on the other hand ruthlessly operationalise ourselves via their means, creating curated doppelgangers who are more palatable than our real, flawed, selves. On every level – personal, social, political, optical – the space between reality and fantasy is vastly reduced, and may one day disappear.” Jean McNeil, ‘The Fate of Space’ (2020) The image shares a resemblance to the work of painters Caravaggio and Rembrandt due to its use for light and dark, termed chiaroscuro. When I look at the world and I see a photo, the structure of what I see which I feel I must photograph is built upon this contrast between light and dark. I am also attracted to capturing what I see as having an atmosphere and emotion which I believe can be translated through images. Something which escapes rationality which I believe we need less of in such a material world. "Seeing is believing, but feeling is the truth." Thomas Fuller (Exact date unknown, 17th century) The work also shares a resemblance to Francis Bacon in the distortion of the face, as well, Gregory Crewdson can be seen in the melodramatic and intriguing happening in the image. All these resemblances are not intentional, but perhaps through my familiarity with their work, it is projected into the world unconsciously and captured in the image.