Apollo come dance with me Chaos and order; the paradigm of creation Apollo: Dionysus: Oedipus
A thesis submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Fine Art Ray David B.A (Fine Art); MFA School of Art, College of Design and Social Context, RMIT University, Melbourne August 2012
1
Declaration
Declaration I certify that except where due acknowledgement has been made, the work is that of the author alone; the work has not been submitted previously, in whole or in part, to qualify for any other academic award; the content of the thesis is the result of work which has been carried out since the official commencement date of the approved research program; and; any editorial work, paid or unpaid, carried out by a third party is acknowledged; ethics procedures and guidelines have been followed.
Ray David 8/8/2012
2
Acknowledgements My thanks to Isabel, Kisha, Ilium, Salote, Godwin, Sanne and Nadine for allowing me to transfer their likeness into a symbolically produced world.
3
Abstract My Appropriate Durable Record details the three suites of paintings produced for the project, displayed in chronological order and listed under the titles of mimesistragedy, metaphor-structure and metamorphosis-rhizome. The painting listed under each heading lean towards mimetic, metaphoric and metamorphic expression by highlighting aspects of tragic, structural and rhizomic depiction, however all the paintings display varying degrees of all three forms of expression. Included in my Durable Record are a number of Ancient Greek concepts1 that accompany the three overriding notions of mimesis, metaphor and metamorphosis detailing my reflective process. The concept definitions listed give meaning to the project’s research and experience and outline the streams of thought that constructed the projects research and new knowledge.
A number of abstract drawings2 are also included, detailing my habitual drawing practice, which engages with the formalist dynamic and static aspects of artistic expression. These images describe the linear drawing style used in conjunction with some of the figurative images to contrast the mimetic aspect of the work.
The exhibition has two aspects that are in need of some discourse. The layering of images has been discussed already in chapter three as an extension of my exploration 1 Definitions sourced from Apple Mac application 2009 -‐New Oxford American Dictionary and
edited by me. 2 All the drawings are in sketchbooks measuring 15 x 10 cm.
4
of form and space. Within the gallery the size and positioning of each painting expands the discourse regarding space and form to the viewer. The other aspect is the positioning of the larger landscape format images. This is to alert the viewer of the frieze aspect utilized in Ancient Greek art practice. The depiction and display of significant cultural and religious stories were placed on temples. This positioning alerted the civic population of the important these images and the stories they portray.
5
Table of contents DECLARATION
2
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
3
ABSTRACT
4
TABLE OF CONTENTS
6
GLOSSARY OF CHARACTERS
7
I SEE: MIMESIS -‐ TRAGEDY
8
I THINK: METAPHOR -‐ STRUCTURE
21
I AM: METAMORPHOSIS -‐ RHIZOME
43
RESUME
63
6
Glossary of characters
Oedipus: King of Thebes, son of Jocaster and Laius. Antigone: Daughter of Oedipus and Jocaster. Jocaster: Mother of Oedipus. Wife of Laius and Oedipus. Etiocles: Son of Oedipus and Jocaster. Polynices: Son of Oedipus and Jocaster. Ismene: Daughter of Oedipus and Jocaster. Creon: Brother of Jocaster.
7
I SEE: MIMESIS -‐ TRAGEDY
Mimesis |məәˈmēsis; mī-| imitation, in particular representation or imitation of the real world in art and literature. From Greek mimēsis, from mimeisthai ‘to imitate.’
Antigone (apple) 2005 160 x 90 cm oil on canvas
Two 2005 15 x 10 cm pencil on paper
8
Cosmos 1|ˈkäzməәs; -ˌmōs; -ˌmäs| The universe seen as a well-ordered whole: • a system of thought: from Greek kosmos ‘order or world.’
Jocasta with Van Gough’s Irises 2005 50 x 50 cm oil on canvas
Middle 2005 10 x 15 cm pencil on paper
Van Gough, Irises 1889 71 x 93 cm oil on canvas
9
Apollo |əәˈpälō| Greek Mythology a god, son of Zeus and Leto and brother of Artemis. He is associated with music, poetic inspiration, archery, prophecy, medicine, pastoral life, and in later poetry with the sun.
Apostle after De Vinci 2005 200 x 50 cm oil on polycarbonate
Red 2005 10 x 15 cm pencil on paper
Detail Leonardo Da Vinci’s Last Supper 1495-1498
10
Nadine as Red Jocasta 2005 60 x 40cm oil on paper
Me 2005 10 x 15 cm pencil on paper
11
Godwin as Creon 2005 60 x 50 cm oil on canvas
Hey 2005 15 x 10 cm pencil on paper
12
Antigone |anˈtigəәnē| Greek Mythology Daughter of Oedipus and Jocasta, the subject of a tragedy by Sophocles. Isabel with puppies 2005 90 x 70 cm oil on linen
Gauguin, Still life with puppy’s 1888, 73 x 92 cm, oil on canvas
Teeth 2005 15 x 10 cm pencil on paper
13
Young Oedipus 2005 50 x 50 cm pencil on polycarbonate
You 2005 10 x 15 cm pencil on paper
14
Crowd 2005 10 x 15 cm pencil on paper
Red Antigone 2005 110 x 90 cm oil on linen
15
Green Antigone, 2005, 90 x 70 cm, oil on canvas
Fly 2005 15 x 10 cm pencil on paper
16
Geometry |jēˈäməәtrē| the branch of mathematics concerned with the properties and relations of points, lines, surfaces, solids, and higher dimensional analogs. From Greek, from gē ‘earth’ + metria (see -metry ). Sixteen squares 2002 50 x 120 cm oil and pencil on cardboard
The riddle of the sphinx 2005 120 x 60 cm oil on polycarbonate
Green self-portrait 1999 50 x 40 cm oil on canvas
17
Sanne as Jocasta 2005 90 x 70 cm, oil on canvas
Music 2005 10 x 15 cm pencil on paper
18
Honor as Ismene 2005 120 x 80 cm oil on polycarbonate
Side 2005 15 x 10 cm pencil on paper
19
Arena 2005 10 x 15 cm pencil on paper
Light box
Jocaster and Antigone 2006 120 x 180 cm oil on polycarbonate Light box
20
I THINK: METAPHOR -‐ STRUCTURE Metaphor |ˈmetəәˌfôr; -fəәr| • a thing regarded as representative or symbolic of something else, esp. something abstract From Greek metaphora, from metapherein ‘to transfer.’
Minstrel song 2006 120 x 400 cm oil on polycarbonate Attic red-figure vase Lyre player 500 BC Berlin Painter We 2007 10 x 15 cm pencil on paper
21
Chaos |ˈkāˌäs| • Physics behavior so unpredictable as to appear random, owing to great sensitivity to small changes in conditions. From Greek khaos ‘vast chasm, void.’
Attic pottery figures (copy) 2006 150 x 120cm oil on polycarbonate
Mouse 2007 150 x 10 cm pencil on paper
Detail of an Attic cup By Brygus, in the Louvre
22
Dionysus |ˌdīəәˈnisəәs| Greek Mythology a Greek god, son of Zeus and Semele. He was originally a god of the fertility of nature, associated with wild and ecstatic religious rites.
Noble child 2006 120 x 350 cm oil on polycarbonate
QV building site 2002 50 x 120 cm oil and pencil on polycarbonate
Spiral 2007 150 x 10 cm pencil on paper
23
Tragedy |ˈtrajidē| From Greek tragōidia, apparently from tragos ‘goat’ (the reason remains unexplained) + ōidē ‘song, ode.’ Compare with tragic.
The chorus sings 2006 60 x 120 cm oil on polycarbonate
Francisco Goya Witches’ Sabbath, 1820-1823 140 x 438 cm, oil on plaster
Resonate 2007 10 x 15 cm pencil on paper
24
Mayan god of cocoa (copy) 2006 120 x 120 cm oil on polycarbonate
Two 2007 30 x 10 cm pencil on paper
25
Mayan Oedipus 2006 70 x 120 cm oil on polycarbonate
Feathers 2007 10 x 15 cm pencil on paper
26
Juice 2007 10 x 15 cm pencil on paper
Jocasta with Irises 2006 50 x 60 cm oil and pencil on polycarbonate
27
Needle 2007 15 x 10 cm pencil on paper
Mask 2006 60 x 60cm oil on polycarbonate
Albrecht Durer, View of Arco 1495,watercolour and gouache on paper, 22.3 x 22.2 cm
28
Allegory |ˈaləәˌgôrē| A story, poem, or picture that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning From Greek allēgoria, from allos ‘other’ + -agoria ‘speaking.’ Masked Oedipus 2006 60 x 60 cm oil on polycarbonate
Penguin Publishing Oedipus 1947 Look 2007 10 x 15 cm pencil on paper
29
Human Nature 2006 60 x 60 cm pencil and oil on polycarbonate
Human Nature (brown) 2006 60 x 60 cm oil on polycarbonate
Paul Klee The navigator, 1932 34.5 x 50 cm watercolor and gouache on paper
Attic red-figure stamnos (detail) 500 BC Warrior leaving home Kleophon Painter
30
Brothers (assemblage) 2007
Stand 2007 15 x 10 cm pencil on paper
Oedipus and Antigone 2006 150 x 120 cm oil on acitate
31
Antigone with flowers 2006 160 x 90 cm oil on polycarbonate
32
Prophesy (incomplete) 2007 120 x 300 cm oil and pencil on polycarbonate
Ray 2007 10 x 15 cm pencil on paper
33
Theban plays Triptych - assemblage installation 2007 120 x 500 cm
Trip
Assemblage 2007 10 x 15 cm pencil on paper
34
Swim 2007 10 x 15 cm pencil on paper
Brothers 2007 150 x 120 cm oil on polycarbonate
Gauguin After the sermon 1888 73 x 92 cm oil on canvas
35
Child 2006 120 x 300 oil on polycarbonate
Owl 2007 150 x 10 cm pencil on paper
36
Duck 2007 10 x 15 cm pencil on paper
Amsterdem theatre comp. Oedipus Rex. Photo Oedipus Rex 2006 60 x 120 cm oil on polycarbonate
37
Frieze 2006 40 x 170 cm oil and pencil on polycarbonate
Drawing assemblage, 2007, 20 x 30 cm, pencil on paper
38
View of Arco after Durer 2006 50 x 50 cm oil on canvas
Spike 2007 15 x 10 cm pencil on paper
39
Mira 2007 120 x 500 cm oil and pencil on polycarbonate
Wobble 2007 15 x 10 cm pencil on paper
40
Chaos 2007 100 x 100 cm oil on polycarbonate
Rocket 2007 15 x 10 cm pencil on paper
41
Father, son and Holy Ghost 2006 60x 120 cm oil on polycarbonate
Leonardo De Vinci The last supper 1495-1498 460 x 880 tempera on gesso, pitch and mastic
Me and you 2007 10 x 15 cm pencil on paper
42
I AM: METAMORPHOSIS -‐ RHIZOME
Metamorphosis |ˌmetəәˈmôrfəәsəәs| The process of transformation • a change of the form or nature of a thing or person into a completely different one, by natural or supernatural means From Greek metamorphōsis, from metamorphoun ‘transform, change shape.’
Attic child 2008 120x 300 cm oil and crayon on polycarbonate
Centre 2007 10 x 15 cm pencil on paper
43
Antigone and Ismine 2008 120 x 120 cm oil on polycarbonate
Rhizome |ˈrīˌzōm| A continuously growing horizontal underground stem that puts out lateral shoots and adventitious roots at intervals. From Greek rhizōma, from rhizousthai ‘take root,’ based on rhiza ‘root.’
Nikos Kazis Antigone ,with Irene Papas 1961
44
Jocaster and Antigone 2008 120x 60 cm oil on polycarbonate
Sphere 2007 15 x 10 cm pencil and paper
Dialectic |ˌdīəәˈlektik| Philosophy The ancient Greeks used the term dialectic to refer to various methods of reasoning and discussion in order to discover the truth. More recently, Kant applied the term to the criticism of the contradictions that arise from supposing knowledge of objects beyond the limits of experience, e.g., the soul. Hegel applied the term to the process of thought by which apparent contradictions (which he termed thesis and antithesis) are seen to be part of a higher truth (synthesis). adjective From Greek dialektikē (tekhnē) ‘(art) of debate,’ from dialegesthai ‘converse with’ (see dialogue ).
45
Oedipus |ˈedəәpəәs; ˈēdəә-| Greek Mythology The son of Jocasta and of Laius, king of Thebes. Oedipus solved the riddle of the sphinx
Attic The chorus sings 2008 60x 120 cm pil and crayon on polycarbonate
Cello 2009 10 x 15 cm pencil on paper
46
Antigone (black) 2008 120 x 90 cm oil on polycarbonate
Abriviate 2009 15 x 10 cm pencil on paper
47
Human Nature (gold) 2008 50x 50 cm oil on polycarbonate
Flip 2009 10 x 15 cm pencil on paper
48
Attic Minstrel song 2008 120 x 400 cm oil and crayon on polycarbonate
Doll 2009 15 x 10 cm pencil on paper
49
Deity 2008 120 x 120 cm oil and crayon on polycarbonate
Square 2009 10 x 15 cm pencil on paper
50
Attic Noble child - Assemblage Installation 2009 Cardboard and black paper
Look 2009 15 x 10 cm pencil on paper
51
Attic assemblage Installation 2008 200 x 600 cm
⇔ 2009 10 x 15 cm pencil on paper
52
Assemblage installation
Attic Brothers 2009 150 x 120 cm oil and crayon on polycarbonate
Yes 2009 10 x 15 cm pencil on paper
53
Drawing assemblege 2007 20 x 30 cm pencil on paper
Forest 2009 10 x 15 cm pencil on paper
54
Attic father, son and holy ghost 2009 120 x 300 cm oil and crayon on polycarbonate
Dance 2009 15 x 10 cm pencil on paper
55
Attic Oedipus and Antigone 2009 150 x 120 cm oil and crayon on polycarbonate When 2009 15 x 10 cm pencil on paper
56
Attic Antigone in a constructed landscape 2009 120 x 150cm oil and pencil on polycarbonate
Monalith 2009 10 x 15 cm pencil on paper
57
Attic Noble child 2009 120 x 300cm oil on polycarbonate
Vortex 2009 15 x 10 cm pencil on paper
58
Attic Oedipus at Colonus 2009 120 x 60 cm oil on polycarbonate Attic riddle of the Sphinx 2009 120 x 60 cm oil on polycarbonate Cricket 2009 10 x 15 cm pencil on paper
59
Attic Mask 2009 120 x 60 cm oil and crayon on polycarbonate Attic Human Nature 2009 120 x 60 cm oil and crayon on polycarbonate
Together 2009 10 x 15 cm pencil on paper
60
Autonomous |ôˈtänəәməәs| from Greek autonomos ‘having its own laws’.
Turn 2009 15 x 10 cm pencil on paper
Attic Oedipus Rex 2009 60 x 120 cm oil on polycarbonate
61
Trilogy (composite image) 2012 oil on polycarbonate 120 x 300 cm
State 2009 10 x 15 cm pencil on paper
62
Resume
Ray David
[email protected]
EDUCATION
2012
Doctor of Fine Art – R.M.I.T. University. Apollo come dance with me. Chaos and order; the paradigm of creation. (A creative duality of chaos and order as the physical and metaphysical paradigm of art and the cosmos.)
2004
Master of Fine Art - R.M.I.T. University. Created in your image. The construction of identity through artistic expression. (Creation myths and identity)
2002
B.A. (Fine Arts) R.M.I.T. University. Redemptive illusion. The deception of meaning.
PUBLICATION 2012
David, Ray: A mimetic psyche, in: IMAGE 15, Cologne: Halem 2012
http://www.gib.uni-tuebingen.de/image?function=fnArticle&showArticle=202
LECTURE SCHOOL OF ART FORUM APOLLO COME DANCE WITH ME; CHAOS AND ORDER THE DUALITY OF CREATION
PANELS AND COMMITTIES ARTPLAY ADVISORY COUNCIL CITY OF MELBOURNE
63
EXHIBITIONS GROUP EXHIBITIONS
2009 2008 2007 2005 2005 2004 2003 2002 2002 2000 1999 1997
Siemens Finalist Works-in-Progress. -D.F.A. Group Exhibition Forced Unity – D.F.A. Group Exhibition Discovery Art Show, Gasworks Gallery – Albert Park Intrude Contemporary Art, Fitzroy Short listed for Smorgon Steel Art Prize - Williamstown Festival Intrude Contemporary Art, Fitzroy R.M.I.T. University Graduate Show Dickerson’s Gallery Graduate Show, Richmond Siemens Optilt Gallery, North Fitzroy Roar Studios, Fitzroy
SOLO EXHIBITIONS
2008 2005 2004 Northcote. 2003 2003 1999
Gossard, project space, RMIT. Oedipus Rex Intrude Gallery, Malvern. Created in your image. Synergy Gallery, Northcote. Post modern Mona Lisa Isabel of Intrude Contemporary Art, Fitzroy. Varying degrees of abstraction. Honeyeaters Gallery, Collingwood The deception of meaning Darebin City Council. New works
64