KIMBERLEY GRAY
|
My art practise explores the social, political and cultural issues of our contemporary societies today. In particular I have been interested in the idea of making the invisible other visible. One of the most apparently explored and key theme within my artistic practise is the consideration of the "other". I really enjoy experimenting with the idea of the "other" and what determines cultural identity, particularly in contemporary culture. Othering is a process in which the identity of those perceived as different, from oneself or the majority, is categorised into positions, predominately either dominate or subordinate. In my own practise I have been looking at how the homeless in our societies are othered from the majority. Contemporary culture is associated with the demise and deconstruction of cultural identities, cluttered with victims of westernisation and rise of consumer culture. This further more pushes the poor into the shadows. People experiencing homelessness in contemporary culture are frequently categorised into stereotypes revolving around their absence of abode, personal possessions and company. Many argue that homelessness can mean loss of the sense of self and social identity. I use clothing often throughout my work as symbolic imagery to question identity. I have taken prints of Childs clothing and tatty torn shirts to reflect the demise in the homeless, the idea of an innocent youth transcending to this melancholy state.
[email protected] |