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- Anne-Marie O’Connor
Anne-Marie
O’Connor
Con/Form
Through a collaboration of imagery and sculpture, this work explores the creation and evolution of abstract form and its relationship with the viewer. As viewers, we are conditioned to certain expectations regarding ‘form’. Being constrained by the natural desire for familiarity, we restrict the space that we give to our imaginations and comfort zones. By creating physical forms and presenting them in an installation scenario, I am challenging a contemporary narrative between the viewer and the work.
Despite the biomorphic qualities of the work, these forms are not to be misconstrued as mutilations or contortions of the human body. They are original characters that imitate humane features like skin tone and vague spherical structures, as manipulation of the human form is what provokes the most controversial judgements. Combined with the visual and physical elements of my work is a collection of vocabulary that is suggestive of such judgments e.g. alien, foreign, and anomalous. These words intend to evoke a sense of discomfort and self-reflection.
Using visually abstract motifs and narrative I have explored issues regarding abnormality through form. These abnormalities could be considered as anything ranging from deformity, diversity to disability, all of which we have instinctive reservations towards.