Artist statement

Natural disasters present not only a physical danger but also can be a metaphorical manifestation of emotional states. ‘Deluge’ investigate floods as a metaphor for the human experience in contemporary society. As an attempt to embody the feeling of being overwhelmed using overlayed drawings and mixed media to disrupt the space forcing viewers to wade through the paper structures. In creating the work, I will draw on the literary device of stream of consciousness which sacrifices logic and gives itself over to the randomness of thought to create anxiety and tension within the work.

There is a parallel between climate change pushing the earth to the brink and the personal experience of being pushed physically, emotionally, and financially by the deluge of ‘content’ in contemporary life. In language ‘we often resort to flood metaphors such as keeping our head above water or weathering the storm’ (Johnson, 2021) to describe challenges we face in our day-to-day.  I will be using this metaphor to expand my own practice where I have always been interested in social pressure, family history and subjective themes of anxiety and responsibility.

Link to video work that accompanies installation:

https://vimeo.com/851267717?share=copy

Johnson,Gail. 2021. “Breakwater explores mental health among youth with a great flood as a pandemic metaphor.” Stir. https://www.createastir.ca/articles/some-assembly- theatre-rhytag-breakwater-valerie-methot