The Art of Sitting Down and Forgetting About Yourself for Two Hours explores the transcendental nature of contemporary film. Inspired by the secular investigations of philosophers Auguste Comte and Alain De Botton, my work reflects a modern world in which the silver screen has become our new religion, and cinemas our cathedrals. Drawing upon High Renaissance imagery in both my painted triptych and time-based forms, I have used dynamic chiaroscuro lighting to represent the moviegoer’s experience as spiritually awakening and transformative. As portraiture, my work also explores changing identity through deification of the on-screen character, as we subconsciously attempt to find ourselves within the faces we see on film.

Exhibited at Hazelhurst Arts Centre, New South Wales

5th in NSW - Visual Arts