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Artwork in progress

Hegemony: Les Imbéciles 1 and 2

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I’m currently working on two figurative sculpture projects, both centered on the emotions tied to witnessing the deterioration of the world. Despite sharing the same theme, these projects represent opposing perspectives:

  • Hegemony: Les Imbéciles 1 focuses on listlessness, mental exhaustion, and resignation, conveyed through physical posture and facial expressions.

  • Hegemony: Les Imbéciles 2 captures a raw spectrum of emotions—anger, profound sadness, rage, fear, sorrow, dejection, disgust, contempt, and more.

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The first project will feature eight to ten towering figures embodying collapse, powerlessness, and surrender. Their body language will convey a sense of giving in to gravity, while some will appear to be held upright from under the arms by thick ropes. Each face will reflect the same depth of emotion.

Hegemony: Les Imbéciles 1

I fire my work in a kiln which has a chamber about 20 inches wide by 25 inches high. For this project, I have to build my figures in modules. You can see my prototype above and to the right. The individual parts won't be assembled as seen in the photos. I'm also in the process of testing different surface treatment "crusts" on different clays, see below. I will not have sexual traits with the subsequent figures as they take too much attention, diverting the viewers attention away from the intent of the form. The figure shown does not have any surface treatment.

These test tiles explore surface treatments for the figures above and other projects. While the prototype (above) does not yet feature a surface treatment, I’ve been testing various “crusts” on different clay bodies. The process is ongoing as I plan to use a white clay body for the final figures which will alter the results of these tests.

For the figure above, at the moment, I’m leaning toward the tile in the top-left of the photo, and to the right.

 

This crust is achieved using a complex blend of materials. It contains:

  • One-third kaolin, contributing the alumina and silica for the matrix.

  • The surface tension of nepheline syenite and also the kaolin create the cracks in the darker section.

  • Cryolite, for the fluorine content adds texture.

  • Copper carbonate provides the coloration.

Hegemony: Les Imbéciles 2

The second part of the Hegemony project will feature 80 to 100 sculpted heads, each measuring 6 to 7 inches in height. These stylized figurative pieces are designed to embody intense emotions that directly contrast those expressed in Les Imbéciles 1. Mounted on custom brackets at average eye level, the heads will confront viewers with a direct gaze, inviting an empathetic response and transferring their emotions to the audience.

 

As of January 22, 2025, I’ve completed ten heads. Here’s a glimpse of the series so far:

  • Head No. 1 conveys contempt.

  • Head No. 2 is crying, sobbing.

  • Head No. 3 communicates rage.

  • Head No. 4 expresses disgust.

  • Head No. 5 was intended to express rage but unexpectedly turned out rather humorous—she looks like she’s singing!

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