Statement
I have explored the tradition of 17th century European Baroque portraiture and have replaced the “noble subject in high standing”, usually depicted in this genre, with an irrelevant male subject in our society referred to as a “red neck”. In this manner, I can examine the notion of the “real authority” of the Baroque sitter and the automatic acceptance of it through the function of this traditional portraiture.
I have applied Baroque style features such as: strong, directional light focused on a subject, deep shadow, darkness and reflection, and the startling use of light and texture to create dramatic and theatrical illusion. I have combined this with a “red neck” subject marginalized in his portrayal, dressed in grimy jeans, t-shirt and cap; appearing very much at odds in the context he is placed.
This series has become an experiment in discerning if he will become a symbol of power in the viewers mind by merely being placed in this context, or; if he can be liberated from the history of this genre so he can become a subject with new significations.
Fun