Removal of Self - Artist's Statement from Ben Cope:
"The series entitled 'Removal of Self' originally began as an attempt to remove the identity of
the subject from each image; in turn, removing myself and my relationship to the subject. It has
since evolved into the removal of all identity, relationship, personality and all elements of gender
from each image, leaving nothing but body form and movement behind.
In the construction of each piece, the image dictates the movement and placement of lines
created during the manipulation of the paper. Inspired by the ideology of Kandinsky and his
spiritual understanding and incorporation of lines into his works, I portray similar lines in my
works, allowing the images to become bottom-heavy and create horizontal/stagnant movement in
each piece, utilizing minimal upward movement during the manipulation. I prefer the surface
texture to remain heavy and confining while the form of the body moves with ease behind. Here,
the body takes on a new form as it is stripped of its obvious identity and becomes reliant on the
surface to remain relevant.
Each addition to the series evolves and draws me closer to realizing the concept as a whole. This
particular collection was commissioned for the use in the film "Abstraction" directed by Daniel
Gomes." |
