Tony Oursler uses modern technology to allow the viewer to step into a completely different world, a world of ruined faces, obsession over body image, and losing ones identity. He uses video to show a taboo subject threw the eyes of plastic surgery addicts. His larger then life scale makes a bold and frightening statement. I have personally seen his work in person. The faces are hunting, and many do not look human. As you walk into this large black room you feel almost in a dream-like state, the voices are disembodied and what they are saying is unclear. Oursler has tapped into the idea of losing ones identity to pop culture. This piece is both disturbing and thought provoking. Walking threw this is shocking and amazing. I feel the artiest has taken the idea of plastic surgery to another level. His work is controversial, bold, and to some offensive. Tony Vampiric Battle, 2009
video, steel, digital prints, foam board.
The Mattress Factory.
Image from:
http://www.mattress.org/index.cfm?event=ShowArtist&eid=93&id=468&c=Past
Very interesting work to have chosen, Quinn. And great description. What other works (literature, film, etc. )on vampires do you think Ousler is referring to in his use of them as metaphor for our current obsession with youth and looks? You might want to check out the Mattress factory review (if you haven't) at http://www.mattress.org/index.cfm?event=ShowArtist&eid=93&id=468&c=Current
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