ANNIKA NEVELL

12 STUDIO ARTS

Human Existence

My final artwork “Social Constructionism” stems from two separate potential directions developed in Unit 3. I intended to portray ideas derived from my exploration proposal with the theme of ‘Human Existence’. In exploring identities in an ever changing society, I intended to portray the idea of a deconstruction of identity at the expense of the harsh force of societal expectations. By exploring the effects of societal standards over time on young individuals like myself, I highlighted the ways in which society can oppress our desires and ultimately pressure us into conforming to what is expected of us. Employing both painting and drawing media, I juxtaposed a series of surrealistic portraits to a realistic portrait of myself as a child in order to emphasise this idea. The elements of colour and line enabled me to accentuate a fluid movement and balance throughout this artwork. This assisted in representing the progression of a deconstructed identity that some individuals may relate to, presenting a fragmented and abstract aesthetic. I chose to use the same reference portrait as it is not that the face is ageing, but as a child we are in constant limbo of both conforming to society's expectations and developing our own unique identity. The colours that start to emerge represent this self development while the remaining skin represents the pull to stay conformed by society’s constraints. The lack of skin in collaboration with the increase of colours alludes to society’s attempt to deconstruct our identity and force us to conform being challenged by our personal growth in identity and desire to become a unique individual.

My second final artwork “A Sense of Self” also stems from two separate potential directions developed in Unit 3, however under two different subthemes: ‘Societal Expectations’ and ‘Mindfulness’. Again, I intended to portray ideas derived from my exploration proposal with the theme of ‘Human Existence’. After having reflected on my childhood as well as my personal development in forming my own identity whilst confined by society’s expectations, I aspired to celebrate the journey of personal growth and human existence as a whole. Through this, I highlighted the ways in which we as humans interact with our surrounding environment, and more importantly how these interactions affect us. Employing both painting and drawing media, I again depicted a self portrait juxtaposed by the abstract component of the background. The elements of line and shape in the background are symbolic of our surrounding attributes as well as a physical representation of our thoughts, feelings and sensations. With the intention to celebrate the capabilities of humans, I ensured to reflect these feelings through the expression the subject matters face. This assisted in conveying the idea that our capabilities trump societal standards, and that as we grow older, not only do we gain a better sense of identity, but we also enhance our capabilities. The colours that emerge within the background further allude to a sense of identity, with the coloured border being symbolic of self gratification. Ultimately portraying a celebration of becoming a unique individual.