Amy M Anderson
The Clique
April 25 - June 2
ARTIST STATEMENT
Absurdism describes how we, as humans, desire order, purpose and meaning in life. As a result, we are left unsatisfied by the “silence of the universe” and its unwillingness to unquestionably provide us with such. With no life meaning, there is no point to live. Yet, suicide is also meaningless. This brings us to a position of existence where we are left living our lives with no meaning. The acceptance of this meaningless state of being alive supposedly leaves us existing in total freedom. Through my work, I examine the conflict of the individual’s role and search for the state of freedom in which Absurdism leaves us. (Absurdism)
In our social positions, phantom communities, social constructs, expectations and indoctrinations put us on the stage to play a perceived intended role. In the lifelong universal pursuit of meaning and happiness we find ourselves together on a stage in which we must ask ourselves if we can find truth in the role in which we are playing. By observing and investigating common social scenarios, my artworks induce conversations about social conditions drawing attention to the need for change or at least acknowledgment of the effects of such conditions on and within the individual.
ARTIST STATEMENT
Objecthood plays a vital role in the works I create. My work measures relationships between ideas and environs. The role of the individual object is always put into question through the creative juxtaposition of materials in which objects combine to create new functions. I combine the use of readymade objects with unconventional materials to create an environment that promotes conversation. Recognizable objects create a familiarity concept with the viewer that entices them to further inspect the work.
Through the use of everyday objects and easily recognizable materials, viewers are invited to consider each work, its components and the meaning given to the piece by the intentional combination of these objects and their new functions. By shedding light on the absurdity of imposed social roles, viewers are prompted to ask themselves whether the role they play in life is merely a façade – an act – or if there is some truth in who they are and the potential of who they can become.
ARTIST BIO
Amy M. Anderson is a visual artist who specializes in conceptual sculpture and installation. Amy is a graduate of UNC-Wilmington, obtaining her BA in Philosophy and Religion, as well as Studio Art in 2004, and her Master of Arts in Liberal Studies in 2017 (Thesis: Feeling and Filling Space: A Finnish Art Experience and Gas Station Discos). She has her Master of Fine Arts from Western Carolina University (Thesis: My Titles are Always in Pencil: Projects in The Absurd), and has worked at international artist residencies in Spain and Finland. Amy is currently pursuing her PhD in Transformative Studies at the California Institute of Integral Studies, is an instructor at Randolph Community College and faculty in the Graduate Liberal Studies program at UNC-Wilmington.