The Unrepresentable: Art & Sexual Violence

timothy
brown jr.
What is it about a story that eclipses space and time?
Sitting and listening to a person speak of a mythical world
surrounded by good and evil, morals, and lessons, it is here
that we gain an understanding of our surroundings. From our
first days on this planet we are read epic tales of heroes and
villains, kings and queens, old beggars, and wicked witches, but
when we grow to a certain age, suddenly adulthood steps in and
pushes these fantastical narratives aside for what is considered
real life. It is here that my work will push back.
Like so many, I have experienced some of the best and
worst of times, and it is here that I begin to create these narratives,
which encompass what would typically be swept under the
rug. It is with consideration and awareness that I remove this
rug and expose these serious issues in the guise of a fairy tale.
Issues, such as addiction, domestic violence, acceptance, race,
manipulation, sexual orientation, love, and finding a balance
between the light and dark side of human nature, are crucial and
delicate topics, requiring a dignified treatment, but necessary for
discussion.
Each narrative plays out in its own unique dramatic
fashion, allowing the severity of the topic to shine through,
beyond the weird and wondrous imagery. Like the tales that came
before, every new story has a lesson that must be understood. It
is important for the viewer to be willing to open his/her mind and
to accept this seemingly childish construct, all the while reading
material that is not meant for children.
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There is darkness that resides in each and every one
of us. While some would rather pretend that it does not exist,
I know that it is there, lurking behind a door, seemingly buried
underneath the ice, and scratching at the surface. It is these
deep-seeded emotions and feelings that act as catalysts for
my fairy tales. I want the viewer to take away whatever s/he can
from this work, if it helps him/her to understand that what s/he is
experiencing to be genuine and that his/her feelings are valid.
It is important to note that it is only through the dark that we can
experience the light, and it is only by experiencing brief moments
of pain that we can indulge in pleasure. Cautionary Affection, Oil on Panel, 2017, 24” x 24”
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