The body of work that I am showing is Kryptonite: Super Protectors. Three visual elements combine to create this work; packaging materials, manufactured protective devices, and a selected color. In my head, I participate in an unresolved debate between a fascination with objects and packaging and a disdain of materialism and consumerism. I recognize an inherent beauty in packaging and product presentation. There is perfection in the manufactured object, accessibility, and a wide variety of choice at an affordable price. Manufactured objects are the residue of our culture.
These objects hold the dreams, aspirations and the plans of the past. Each object carries the history of its creation --- the intuition and imagination that created the idea, the engineering and the work of bringing the idea to fruition. Yet I also know that 65% of daily garbage can be attributed to packaging. Manufacturing in developing countries exploits workers. Consumerism abounds.
I used the color "kryptonite" for the first time in a color portrait of an artist-teacher. It was while reflecting on that piece that I perceived "kryptonite" as a protective color, a talisman of sorts, protection from anyone attempting to over power. "Kryptonite" is a green neon color associated with the imaginary planet Krypton. A rock from Krypton reduced Superman's powers. The kryptonite series is about self-protection. We live in a society that expects protection, demands protection, and sues for protection. In doing this work, I want to examine our rational and irrational need for protection.
