Artist Statement
Sarah Hahn
My work is a reflection
of past cultures, distorted by a mirror of aged antiquity, seen through a haze
of modern neon lights. In this blurred reflection appear the remnants of
shared beliefs, fears, joys, mistakes, angers, atrocities, and hopes. Is
it possible that in thousands of years of civilization, the motives, drives,
and emotions behind human behavior have remained the same; that every step
forward is just a reinterpretation of forgotten pathways?
of past cultures, distorted by a mirror of aged antiquity, seen through a haze
of modern neon lights. In this blurred reflection appear the remnants of
shared beliefs, fears, joys, mistakes, angers, atrocities, and hopes. Is
it possible that in thousands of years of civilization, the motives, drives,
and emotions behind human behavior have remained the same; that every step
forward is just a reinterpretation of forgotten pathways?
Currently this
reflection is manifested in the appropriation of western iconic classical
sculptures. In these appropriated sculptures, the ancient god, hero, or
saint is replaced by a contemporary celebrity, politician, or sports
figure. This is done in order to draw a parallel between the past and
present cultures, and to open a dialogue on the function of these figures
within each society. Throughout time these ancient figures, given form by a
sculptor’s hand, represented societal virtues. The figures have
functioned differently within each culture, spanning from the Greeks, to the
Romans, from the popes, and up to the present. When first created, they
were imbued with meaning, carefully thought out and executed in order to
illustrate the intended function. Unfortunately, for most their original
meaning is lost. All that remains is a hunk of marble chiseled in the form of a
strong muscular male form or a seductive female figure. The same fate
awaits our current icons.
reflection is manifested in the appropriation of western iconic classical
sculptures. In these appropriated sculptures, the ancient god, hero, or
saint is replaced by a contemporary celebrity, politician, or sports
figure. This is done in order to draw a parallel between the past and
present cultures, and to open a dialogue on the function of these figures
within each society. Throughout time these ancient figures, given form by a
sculptor’s hand, represented societal virtues. The figures have
functioned differently within each culture, spanning from the Greeks, to the
Romans, from the popes, and up to the present. When first created, they
were imbued with meaning, carefully thought out and executed in order to
illustrate the intended function. Unfortunately, for most their original
meaning is lost. All that remains is a hunk of marble chiseled in the form of a
strong muscular male form or a seductive female figure. The same fate
awaits our current icons.
By appropriating the
classical sculptures and substituting contemporary figures I am seeking to
perpetuate the aura of the original artwork. In doing so I am making the names of the forgotten gods,
saints, and heroes known, the ancient myths and scriptures remembered, and
immortalizing current celebrities.
classical sculptures and substituting contemporary figures I am seeking to
perpetuate the aura of the original artwork. In doing so I am making the names of the forgotten gods,
saints, and heroes known, the ancient myths and scriptures remembered, and
immortalizing current celebrities.
