 |
AN
UNVARNISHED
TRUTH |
|
Using oil paint and
mixed media, artist Anne Lafond describes a problematic
truth - we are all part of global conflict. Irrespective of
where we live, our faith or nationality, whether we are mere
spectators or direct victims, we all have interwoven lives
and fates |
|
by
Alana Jelinek |
|
Anne LaFond’s series of multi-panel oil paintings explore
the impact of the Iraq War and other acts of mass violence.
They are an exploration of the impact of explosive events on
the lives and consciousness of ordinary people.
Her interest lies not only in the direct victims of violence
but in those who witness violence, mediated and reiterated,
through the relentless coverage by the media.
|
|
State
of the Union
2007
Oil on canvas |
Her work draws on news photographs and incorporates
newsprint. This draws attention to the way the media shapes
perception. Lafond's paintings ask the viewer to question
the interrelationship between those involved in acts of
atrocity. It is her belief that the social structures that
underlie these global conflicts also condition the world of
the subway car and individual consciousness.
Lafond hopes that it is through an understanding of these
relationships that the basis for social change might happen.
|
Into This World
2006
Oil on canvas |
|
The primary context of the work is the eruption of social
inequality and American militarism over the past decade and
its tragic effects on people across the world.
Witnessing suicide bombings in Israel as an art student in
the early 1990s, as well as the 9/11 attacks on the World
Trade Centre – just a block from where she lived – had a profound
impact on LaFond’s choice of subjects.
She examines how seemingly distant occurrences unexpectedly
form part of our daily experiences.
|
|
In
Our Name or Not
2002
Oil on canvas with newsprint |
LaFond’s work adapts the tradition of European 'history
painting' to describe and encompass aspects of contemporary
reality. History painting, with its large, multi-figure
compositions of significant events is a self-conscious
vehicle.
It is used as the most appropriate medium for events of
historical importance. In this way, it is hoped that these
paintings will highlight the historical significance of
working class New Yorkers, victims of war in the Middle
East, as well as members of the Bush administration.
|
Soldiers
and Stones
2001
Oil on canvas with newsprint
|
Anne Lafond
employs various techniques to point to the
instability of structures that we tend to perceive as
indomitable.
She emphasizes the underlying tensions and
movement within the confined physical spaces of the canvas,
communicating the social volatility and revolutionary
potential of our times.
|
© Alana Jelinek -
April 2007 |
