FLUX COLLECTION
An exploration of the beauty and fragility of human structure and
function and its synonymy with nature.
CHERRY HARRIS
Work’s basic ideas and overview
My project has been an embarkation on a series of portrait studies that seek to explore through the use of gesture, mark making, symbolism, metaphor and allegory the beauty in the emotional face we present to the world and its breath-taking relationship with the exquisite forces of nature. I have chosen to call the project “Flux,” because at its heart it is an exploration of motion. Our bodies and the world around us are composed of matter. Motion is the mode of existence of matter. The billions of stars that we admire on a clear night and that seem motionless to the naked eye are moving at colossal speeds. Every star is a sun with its own ring of planets. The stars and the satellites circling round them also revolve on their own axis and participate in the turning of the whole galaxy around its axis. Moreover, various parts of the galaxy have different cycles. Our galaxy moves in relation to other galaxies. Our body too is in constant motion. It has no “days off”. It never gets tired. It is composed of 37.2 trillion cells that exhibit physiologic motion.
To “be” means to be in motion. The world, the universe and our physical bodies are integrating and disintegrating. Matter never attains ultimate perfection. Like matter, motion is uncreatable and indestructible. It is not introduced from outside but is included in matter, which is not inert but active. Motion is self-motion in the sense that the tendency, the impulse to change of state is inherent in matter itself: it is its own cause.
I have chosen to portray the human face because I find it fascinating from so many points of view both as scientist and artist. The face is the forward/ world facing part of our body that not only clearly demonstrates motion - structurally, physiologically and emotionally, but also creates our identity. The shape of every face is unique, it is a mobile composite of 14 bones that are always in the process of change. At a microscopic level these parts exhibit exquisite morphology and physiology that resonates with patterns and processes found in nature. My art seeks to explore and present the inter-relationship of these dynamical systems as I have experienced them in my studies and osteopathic work. I endeavour to channel my experience and the way the subject impacts on me emotionally into my work. Humanity and my contact with the human condition both informs and inspires me.
To continue the explanation for the “why” for my having chosen portraiture as my focus for study - according to Aristotle, portraiture epitomised representation - in its literal sense making someone present again. I love this possibility, in conjunction with the idea of immortalising the beauty of an ordinary person or fleeting moment or emotion, whilst aspiring to capture the inner essence of the subject.
My overall vision for the work is to draw attention to the relationships of dynamical systems. Human, natural and planetary health are intricate, beautiful and co-dependant systems. Appreciation for this beauty might help us to celebrate, retain and perpetuate health, both personally and universally.
The above could be a stand-alone outline of conceptual undertones that form the basis for my artistic explorations. It is a synopsis of some of the ideas that I would like to try to project to the viewer. It clearly sets out the task that I set myself and the themes that I am always exploring.
My greatest inspiration comes from my patients, whose ailments over the course of the years, have directed my attention towards the aesthetics of health and beauty, the biodynamic nature of structure and function in both human and natural systems and the importance of nurture.
