  |
|
|
For the past fifteen years I have been focusing on the capitalist
dreams of advertising versus the realities of everyday life. In order to question
the gap between these two polarities I have been experimenting with
different media in a formalist presentation. My work to date incorporates
diptychs in contoured abstract shapes that have evolved from the ancient
medium of encaustic to the modern domestic materials, such as quilted
mattress ticking (Beautyrest). In my current body of work the evidence of day to day life is apparent in the surfaces of these warped, dysfunctional structures. The stains from the found mattress ticking are archeological traces of everyday life. The distortion of these forms reflects back on the viewer like images in a carnival funhouse mirror. This is contrary to the relentless advertising images with their promises of perfection and comfort. My structures parody our need and everlasting search for comfort. In our search for comfort we are told solace is found in our bed. My current body of work (Beautyrest) plays with this notion. The beds or structures I have created, even with this manipulation, still reads as a place of comfort. Completing this scenario the walls are coloured in domestic/decorator shades fulfilling the illusion of comfort. The comfort that is sold to us through television advertising. Mike Hansen 2000 |
