Abstract
“Discrimination,” mistreatment based on race, gender, religion, or socio-economic background, and “infestation,” an invasion by pests, parasites, or unwanted organisms, are two distinct concepts. When combining the two terms, “discrimination infestation” signifies the rapid and harmful spread of discriminatory influences within social contexts in the same fashion that pests invade and harm our environments. The author has created distinct artworks based on a particular idea, each with essential differences. The author uses figures and surroundings in the pictures to convey dual connotations. First, literal depiction: The central figures are depicted with insects covering their heads, creating an instant analogy for infestation. Second, metaphorical implication: The chosen environmental backgrounds represent the underlying implications of social discrimination, reflecting possible settings for such issues. The Infested series comprises four images resembling late 1800s portrait photography depicting discrimination based on national origin, sexual orientation, age, and religion. Les Vacances: The vacation image depicts a family on a dilapidated boat, mirroring refugees’ obstacles in a new country. L’Acrobate: Two male acrobats perform tightrope, exchanging flowers and insects, symbolizing LGBTQ+ couples’ societal challenges. L’iceberg: The image depicts age discrimination: two women clean an icy floor amid icebergs, evoking isolation. La Dévotion: In this depiction, the central figure worships a three-headed skeleton, symbolizing the root of religious discrimination often based solely on superficial appearances. The images are created digitally using 3D software such as 3DS Max and Mudbox to imitate classical paintings. The finished artworks are printed on canvas specifically designed for artists.
Presenters
Saral SurakulAssociate Professor, Lamar Dodd School of Art, The University of Georgia, Georgia, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
THE IMAGE AS ART, IMAGE TECHNIQUES, VISUAL ART PRACTICES
