BRIAN JUNGEN
Brian Jungen is an artist that we reviewed, whose work I was intrigued by, especially the concept, style and the materials. He produced ‘Prototype for a New Understanding’ in 1999. It was a series of masks based on the concept of creating new styles and as it states in the name of the artwork, a new understanding.
This series is made of two different types of materials which are Nike Air Jordan and hair. Each mask is made by cutting the Nike Air Jordan shoe in different parts and reattaching them to create a face. At the end, the hair is attached to the mask to present the concept. Each of these masks are displayed ona rod which is then put together in a line. There are 11 masks in this series put together which are evenly spaced. Jungen has presented this artwork in different museums with different layouts. Sometimes, he had only presented 5 masks and in some places he present all of them. Moreover, he has always presented each mask at a different height, as if, each presented different levels of hierarchy or authority. These masks vary with their presentation but it is usually super natural beings, animal spirits or human faces. These masks were worn in cultural ceremonies and each family valued these masks, although, it varied for each family.
Through personal observations, Jungen is presenting the idea of a culture through the usage of recycled materials. He seems to use only two materials and focusing only on one form of media which is very intriguing and appealing for my eyes as a viewer. According to my observations, I feel that there isa meaning behind this art piece. The meaning refers to the culture of America especially with the use of Nike Air Jordan and the way he has changed the shape of it presents the shift in personality. The shift in the masks show different moods and cultural personalities. Jungen seems to communicate this message through the use of materials that evoke emotional and visceral response of the audience. The strategies used by Jungen can be characterised in various different parts such as culture, norms and more.
This artwork has influenced my work in many different ways. The way Jungen has recycled the shoes and hair to create a cultural piece of art has influenced my work immensely. I am inspired by the use of the different coloured shoes and the restructuring of the shoe to produce something new is what is interesting. He has created a portrait without having the face of the person rather having the cultural aspect of the person and presenting the traditions which are influencing my work.
