Labyrinth

"Prehistoric labyrinths are believed to have served as traps for malevolent spirits or as defined paths for ritual dances. In medieval times, the labyrinth symbolized a hard path to God with a clearly defined center (God) and one entrance (birth). Labyrinths can be thought of as symbolic forms of pilgrimage; people can walk the path, ascending toward salvation or enlightenment. Many people could not afford to travel to holy sites and lands, so labyrinths and prayer substituted for such travel. Later, the religious significance of labyrinths faded, and they served primarily for entertainment, though recently their spiritual aspect has seen a resurgence. Many newly made labyrinths exist today, in churches and parks. Labyrinths are used by modern mystics to help achieve a contemplative state. Walking among the turnings, one loses track of direction and of the outside world, and thus quiets the mind. The Labyrinth Society provides a locator for modern labyrinths all over the world." (Wikipedia)

I think the Labyrinth relates to are in a spiritual way. Art is about knowing yourself and reflecting on the world around you. A Labyrinth is a place in which to "zone out"; to hear your thoughts and nothing else. It is a place to explore your imagination and bring your beliefs, knowledge and passions to the surface. I think really it is an art in itself.

Nicholas Hutcheson

“His recent paintings find influence in the Australian outback – dissected remains of animal and trees shedding their bark. “Preserved in aridity, the desiccated forms of kangaroos, lizards and trees come to resemble the geography and geology of the land itself: layers of strata contoured by the millennia. Nicholas’ accomplished mark-making and deft use of colour produces arresting and unsettling works of complexity and originality,” observes Brisbane art dealer Andrew Baker, who presented Nicholas’ first Australian solo exhibition last year.”

Jenny Saville

Jenny Saville is a female artist that focuses on how the female body is objectified and how people are made to think that there is only one way it should look. She tries to demonstrate to people how a woman's body varies and non are wrong.

Saville works in a traditional style of oil paintings. However, she paints "obese" models as part of her subject matter.

In her body of work all of her models seem to be self mutilating... whether it be clawing at themselves or pulling at their skin/fat.

These gestures indicate self consciousness and sometimes self hate. These women don't want to be in their bodies, for some reason or another they

have been made to feel like they shouldn't look like this; they are wrong.

Texture seems to be one of Saville's main focuses in her artworks. She uses this to enhance the impurities on the skin. It looks to me quite muddy which also gives the impression of dirtiness.