ARTIST STATEMENT: Output 4 - DisMaorphia
What: DisMaorphia is a follow-up representational art piece to Mao. It uses the same subject (and picture) of the artist’s cat, Mao. The difference between the two pieces is that in DisMaorphia, Mao is depicted in a more abstract, caricature-like way wherein certain parts of Mao’s face and body are exaggerated.
Why: To put it simply, it’s made in reference to the artist’s current struggle with their self-image. The disfiguration of certain body parts alludes to how he [the artist] felt about his body a few years back which came hand-in-hand with an eating disorder. Slowly but surely, recovery does happen. Though it isn’t linear and isn’t fun. The artist continues to struggle with self-image both socially and physically but is definitely handling things better now. As for the cat, Mao is an “adventurer”. He goes out, gets into fights with other cats, and comes home with wounds and scars (which we try to aid). This cycle resulted in Mao getting disfigured and his face looking a bit angrier than usual, but that’s just how he looks. Mao is very obedient and greets everyone when he comes over. He’s quiet and knows where he’s allowed to go and where he isn’t.
How: DisMaorphia was supposed to use the same kind of ink that Mao used but after some improvisation with the ink, the artist decided to stick to markers. Starting with the bigger shapes and ending with the smaller pointillism dots, it was hard work.
FROM THE PLANNING STAGE:
DESCRIPTION: BODY DISmaoRPHIA
TOOLS: ILLUSTRATION BOARD
MEDIUMS: DRY MEDIUM: CHARCOAL, MARKERS, BLACK PAINT AND/OR INK
TECHNIQUE/STYLE: ABSTRACTION - CARICATURE STREET STYLE
ELEMENTS/FEATURE: EXAGGERATED HEAD AND EYES
COLOR PALETTE: B&W
CHANGES: TITLE
