cabinet of curiosities

As humans, vision is one of our primary senses, and therefore a major part in what shapes our ideas of the world. Our perception of the world through sight leads to our thoughts, feelings, and ideas of life, and therefore imagery can be a very powerful tool. Being social creatures, imagery is one of our most prevalent forms of communication. Powerful images can cross societal barriers like no other media, because they speak to a universal language that all humans understand. Imagery created by humans can be traced back centuries, to ancient cave drawings and hieroglyphics. Images can convey understanding, and have been (and still are) used to teach others about stories, morals, or history. They can leave a lasting imprint on society, and some carry further societal meanings with a history of use. Symbols representing ideas, groups, political parties, nations, and more carry consistent ideas that humans of all cultures can recognize. In modern times, we have recognized this, and are now intentional with use of imagery. Advertisers use researched-backed data to put forth tempting images or colors to sell an idea, without explicitly directing someone to buy something. Social media has created an entire generation of users who carefully curate their every image to be perceived as perfect by others. As a society, we have come to value images above our real selves, and our real lives.

To me, imagery has always been powerful. I consider myself to be primarily a visual learner, so images particularly resonate with the way I think. I associate colors with specific ideas, concepts, or feelings, just as any human would, but in particular for learning and memorizing. The way things look or are organized can either relax and soothe me, or create unbearable stress. I think this is what has always drawn me to the arts, particularly visual art: the creation of something so visually pleasing gives me great joy and pride in myself, and enjoying beautiful works of others helps inspire me and soothe my mind. This comes with a bit of a consequence, though - negative imagery tends to affect me much more drastically. It’s a bit like having highs accompanied by lows, for every joyous moment, there is an equally saddening one. The way I perceive myself against what society perceives as “beautiful” has been an incredibly toxic force in my life, as it is for most young women. Imagery is powerful, and power as consequences. As we all strive to reach a socially agreed upon definition of perfection, the definition changes, and becomes more impossible to reach. Our lives seem to move faster, as we consume more images, craving more perfection.

In a world of perfect, I am struggling to accept that I am not. Imagery is something that shapes all of our lives, and learning to understand how images are used to manipulate us is an important tool, one I am trying to use to change my perception, not only of myself, but of the world around me.

“San Francisco Bay Area artist who builds large, interactive, and playful sculptures” I met this artist at Snowglobe music festival where his “Sprouts” work was on display (see image below). I spoke to him about what inspired him to create this piece as well as his life as an artist. The ‘sprouts’ of the structure were created with LEDs under pool noodles, and programmed with various patterns. These were designed to move with the wind, but in a way that the viewer was unsure if they were actually moving or if it was just the lights. He travels with his works to various music festivals and events, as well as creates other art installations. Instagram: @michaelchristianart

Jen Stark creates various forms of art, including murals, installations, and prints on clothing and other objects. Her prints are bold and wild, with bright rainbow colors contrasting with black and white, all in bright bursts or dripping, mind-melting prints. Her work is inspiring and original, and she has collaborated with brands to create special collections. Instagram: @jenstark

Rachel Paton is a tattoo artist in Denver who creates beautiful, simple and unique designs for the body, as well as fine art. Her designs are so simple yet surreal and she creates such unique tattoo work. The human body is an interesting canvas, but she does her work so beautifully on it. Instagram: @blackity_black_black

“Aspiring color bender” Kevin PsychedeliK creates complex, bright, and trippy digital prints and animations. I found him because he sells his prints on clothing items, creating wildly unique pieces of fashion. His prints are absolutely surreal and each one is so unique. Instagram: @kevinpsychedelik