This is one of his early works created in 1986, titled Informed Man. Also found at http://www.nechvatal.net/ under the link "Selected computer-robotic canvases 1986-91.
I am very drawn to this piece, although it makes me feel uneasy. The obvious human figure in the center appears to be 3 dimensional and I think is made of news papers, which links with the title. The image of a dagger over the chest feels violent, and reminds me of the fear mongering that is always present in the news media. It also looks like the figure is wearing an eye patch which reminds me of my frustration with biased media reports that leave me feeling uninformed (or blind). Beyond the obvious human figure are many outlined faces. One appears to be a clown, another a judge. Their forms overlap in a frenzied way, with added tension from the ting of red color surrounding the center figure. There is a lot of movement, tension, and metaphor in this piece. Very Strong.
I think his work is important for the social commentary it offers. It is also important because it addresses the modern world, modern technology, and the virtual presence by using it to create these works.
The linear quality of Nechvatal's work is strong and bold to the point of being almost aggressive. It instantly catches the viewer's attention, and creates a sense of unease. I agree that Nechvatal's social commentary is poignant and relevant today, despite being created about 30 years ago. Our society's relationship with mass media continues to be uneasy.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I interpreted the dagger over the heart to be the intense pain that comes alongside being an "Informed Man". The more awareness gained of the world, the more issues exposed, many of which are irreversible, inexplicable, or simply gruesome. The eye-patch may be this man's attempt to at least partially shield himself from the horrors of the world that have brought him to his slightly hunched position with his back against the wall (literally and figuratively speaking).
ReplyDeleteI find this really interesting that Nechvatal uses viruses and a computer robot to make such pictures. It really shows that digital art has come a long way and artists can use pretty much anything to create something so visually pleasing. In some of his other works, he uses bright, contrasting colors and patterns to convey the degraded image, making it visually stimulating to look at and try to guess what it is.
ReplyDeleteIt was amazing to read how well you understood, or compared the work in relation to the media, modern technology, and your feelings about these sophisticated but yet tangible things.
ReplyDeleteAlso, Technology is very unpredictable because you never know when it will malfunction. But, the best art always comes from mistakes, or in this case viruses.
This image is very eye commanding which leaves room for multiple interpretations. Yours was interesting.
I really like the piece you chose and I think your analysis is great. I have always liked the idea of the artist as a philosopher, and working out his internal issues through his work. I think this artist wonderfully exemplifies that idea. I like that instead of using traditional digital art programs to create his work he corrupts it with viruses, clearly a very conscious and important decision.
ReplyDeleteI really appreciate your explanation of the piece and was able to visualize your perception of the artwork based on it. This artwork, for me at least, comes off very creepy and overcrowded. It's a little hard for me to focus on one part of the image with all that's going on in the entirety of the image. I think it's really cool that Nechvatal thought of using a computer virus in the creation of 'Informed Man', proving that even unsuspecting and (usually) negative things can be used to create art.
ReplyDeleteThis piece by Joseph Nechvatal is really interesting and definitely full of metaphors. I really liked your explanation of the symbols within the artwork. I like the hint of color around the man and the picture is really busy. This crowding of images could relate to the many different views and ideas we get from the media. I really like how Nechvatal uses limited colors to make such a powerful piece of art.
ReplyDeleteNice find! This piece has a really interesting presence and I think it can be attributed to what Lisa pointed out about Josephs background. Philosophy and new technologies are not a combination that many people work with however it gives this piece the strength it needs. From where I'm sitting, Joseph seems to have combined the human figure with the background to a degree possibly suggesting that the separation between man and the media or "the show" is becoming less and less distinguishable.
ReplyDeleteWhile reading, I also found Nechvatal's work to be intriguing. As mentioned in your post and by others, the jagged lines add a sense of discomfort, yet it's hard to look away. The man seems unable to escape the thoughts that haunt him, while grotesquely smiling figures surround him in the background. This piece in particular is interesting because it can be interpreted in a number of ways and meanings. For example, I did not initially see the surrounding chaos as mistrust of technology but after reading your analysis, I can see how it can be interpreted in that way.
ReplyDelete