Art is something that is subjectively appreciated, no matter the medium. What one person appreciates and finds meaning in, another person might feel absolutely nothing. We enjoy things that we take inspiration from, pieces that are influenced in some way by what we ourselves feel and experience. It’s what allows us to connect on an emotional level.
Jonathan Payne‘s sculptures fall into this odd area where I am just as repulsed as I am fascinated. The seemingly organic looking pieces, which fall in his Fleshlettes series, are undeniably revolting yet there is something unmistakably hypnotic about them. Perhaps it’s the desire to stare at that which is different from us. Perhaps it taps into our own morbid curiosities. Whatever it is, I know that I can’t look away. It’s like I’m seeing the work of David Cronenberg mixed with Carpenter’s The Thing.
You can see more of Payne’s work on his website.
