Returned Jigsaw Pieces
Artist Statement
These Jigsaw pieces have been formed by one and sent out to many. To then return to form one, which includes the many. To yet be swapped and sent out as one again. Each time evolving and reforming, reflecting how society and the individual constructs ever changing realities, through the objects we handle, the language we use and the stories we tell.
As this jigsaw forms a portion of my narrative self-portrait, I ask of you - the viewer, these questions - Where does the self begin and where does it end? Where does art begin and end? As you look, contemplate and see, read and perhaps talk to others of this work, are you not a part of the artwork and the artwork a part of you? And as you walk on carrying these thoughts, you then may pass them to another. Each time the artwork and the self reconstructs a new, in 'the now'.
Each piece of this 100-piece jigsaw which has returned with creative marks upon it (or not), reflect the thoughts and perhaps a small insight into these people's personalities.
They are not right or wrong, good or bad but wonderfully different.
When we think of a jigsaw, it is an activity which can be played by one or with many, there are no losers and no winners, just the experience.
Just as there are multiple ways this work could have materialized from myself and from the recipients of the pieces, there are also multiple ways in which you the viewer can receive the work, both from within the self and in comparison to other people's views.
23 - 11 - 98
These Jigsaw pieces have been formed by one and sent out to many. To then return to form one, which includes the many. To yet be swapped and sent out as one again. Each time evolving and reforming, reflecting how society and the individual constructs ever changing realities, through the objects we handle, the language we use and the stories we tell.
As this jigsaw forms a portion of my narrative self-portrait, I ask of you - the viewer, these questions - Where does the self begin and where does it end? Where does art begin and end? As you look, contemplate and see, read and perhaps talk to others of this work, are you not a part of the artwork and the artwork a part of you? And as you walk on carrying these thoughts, you then may pass them to another. Each time the artwork and the self reconstructs a new, in 'the now'.
Each piece of this 100-piece jigsaw which has returned with creative marks upon it (or not), reflect the thoughts and perhaps a small insight into these people's personalities.
They are not right or wrong, good or bad but wonderfully different.
When we think of a jigsaw, it is an activity which can be played by one or with many, there are no losers and no winners, just the experience.
Just as there are multiple ways this work could have materialized from myself and from the recipients of the pieces, there are also multiple ways in which you the viewer can receive the work, both from within the self and in comparison to other people's views.
23 - 11 - 98
The letter below was sent to inform the 29 people who returned pieces to me, that their work will be exhibited in the Iris Fisher Gallery.
