ArtSpan – ArtSpan Art Auction
Auction Ends: Apr 13, 2015 02:59 AM PDT

Auction Event Art

"Characterization of Man - Payton" by Stephen C. Wagner

Item Number
139
Estimated Value
450 USD

Live Event Item

This is a Live Event Only item.

Item Description

2012, Mixed Media, 22 x 22

Item Special Note

Artist Statement: The Characterization of Man series explores the ideological power of juxtaposing images to create social & political commentaries in the form of surreal individual portraits. Hidden thoughts & collective beliefs are exposed through the use of found elements & appropriated images in these Mixed Media works on Paper. These portraits are composed on shooting practice targets, symbolizing humans as the victims of forces beyond their control, yet often of their own making. These persons frequently exhibit intense facial expressions to communicate the unease, displacement, & anger distinctive to our times. Many are wearing glasses or goggles, signifying the separation they create to isolate themselves from the world around them, & faces are often placed inside television sets or astronaut helmets to reinforce this removal from reality. Some are depicted wearing headphones to block out the sounds of their disturbing environment. The imagery is often over-laid on images from found Papers, including scientific, technological, mathematical & governmental documents, charts, graphs, diagrams, blueprints, & maps, used to represent the outside worlds influence & pressure. Most pieces are monochromatic in black, white & ivory, reflecting the worlds bleak & colorless prospects, with metallic layers emphasizing the technical aspect of the world. These pieces, however, are often tempered with playful composition & imagery displaying a nave innocence, such as retro images or fictitious signs.