Nature's Helmet: The Human Skull

We are witnessing the emergence of a new generation, and although seemingly impossible to define at present, I hope that our younger artists may give us a clue about their new identity. 

I define our new generation as: post-punk, post-Picasso, post-Pollock, post-Warhol; yet, intrinsically connected with these counter-culture principals.  When some think of a human skull in relation to art, perhaps Damien Hirst’s skull incrusted with diamonds, “For the Love of God,” comes to mind.  A relevant artwork: ironically linking our most important bone structure with our society’s most valuable materials (a symbol of our culture’s dependence on the material), yet the work was sold to a fellow consumer for more than most can comprehend.  Others in this new generation may turn their thoughts of the progression of art to the other side of the spectrum.  The Graffiti artists – seeking the same goal of spreading a message, but freely giving their art away without permission or consent by the establishments which they display their medium.  In either case, it appears evident to me that art has not died; rather, it is ever changing and evolving to adapt to our new generation’s demand for expression.

Not all of the artists in this exhibition fall under the category of this new generation; however, their experience and establishment in the art world will give us a point of comparison against the younger class.  Perhaps their model of Nature’s Helmet will be more traditional – perhaps not. 

Consistent with the idea that perceptions fluctuate between generations, the show will change and evolve with time and place.  The first show will be up for about a month at Orchard Skateshop (156 Harvard Ave, Allston, Boston, MA 02134), opening on Saturday, January 28^th 2012; yet, works will remain for sale until they are shown again at a new venue.  If works get sold at this location, new works may enter the collection, and I will move the show to a new site.  As a result, I hope to witness a pattern of representations between artists of this era that may hint at the development of the new generation’s conception of this ancient symbol – the human skull.