George Gaha
Saint Ignatius' College
'MEDITATIONS ON CONFLICT: ASCETICISM AND HEDONISM'
Drawing
Charcoal and graphite on 300 gsm paper
Contemporary society pushes us to succeed in both hedonism and ascetism; to achieve materially as well as being spiritually present. However, these states undermine each other, causing conflict. In my body of work the cave scenes investigate ascetism, with the erasure of desire allowing us to gain respite in the moment and find meaning in embracing the present. In contrast, the hedonistic scenes appropriate historical works, referencing how historic artmaking stresses the importance of desire and achievement to make meaning. My intention was to challenge the audience to consider both past and future, and the dissonance this causes for us.
My artmaking practice has been influenced by the study and interpretation of the following artists: Michelangelo, Caravaggio, James Gleeson, Bill Henson, Pauline Lee, Henri Fantin-Latour.
Marker's Commentary
Inspired by the Baroque or Mannerist use of dramatic lighting, emotional turmoil and religious subject matter of the past, the student has appropriated and recontextualised this genre to comment on the paradoxes of the contemporary world. This is evident in the sophisticated use of charcoal and well-rendered explorations in contrasting subject matter. The dark cave scenes explore the idea of letting go of desire to find peace in the present, but they are also evocative, dark and moody and invite further layered interpretations. These works are contrasted with hedonistic scenes based on old artworks, which show writhing, partially formed bodies in a much lighter aesthetic, visually contrasting with the dark cave scenes. Instead of just admiring the past, these pieces highlight how our goals and desires shape who we are but also create a kind of tension inside us, today. This work is both technically skilful and conceptually nuanced, showing a maturity of choices and actions.