COLLARED 020 (2024) Digital Arts by Jeanette Gibson

COLLARED New Media Art 020 is more than just an image; it’s a visual talisman designed to ignite a journey of self-discovery. This piece delves into the complex and often paradoxical relationship between perception and reality, using the seemingly simple motif of the collar as a powerful symbol. It invites the viewer to question their own preconceived notions, to examine the delicate balance between societal expectations and personal truth, and ultimately, to embrace the multifaceted nature of their own being.

The collar, in this context, is a potent symbol laden with dualistic meanings. On one hand, it represents purity, a sense of untainted innocence, or a blank canvas upon which identity is formed. It suggests a state of being before the world imposes its labels and expectations, a space of unadulterated potential. This interpretation encourages introspection, a return to the core of oneself, stripping away the layers of external influence to uncover the authentic self that lies beneath. It asks: Who were you before the world told you who to be?

Conversely, the collar also carries the weight of ownership. It can symbolize control, restriction, and the imposition of external forces on the individual. This aspect of the symbol speaks to the societal pressures that shape our perceptions of reality. It acknowledges the ways in which we are molded by expectations, norms, and the judgments of others. The collar, in this sense, becomes a metaphor for the masks we wear, the roles we play, and the compromises we make in order to fit in or gain acceptance. It highlights the potential conflict between our true selves and the persona we present to the world.

The tension between these two interpretations – purity and ownership – is the crux of the artwork. It forces us to confront the inherent duality within ourselves. We are both the innocent, unformed self and the product of our experiences, shaped by the world around us. We are both free and bound, both authentic and influenced. COLLARED New Media Art 020 doesn’t offer easy answers or simplistic resolutions. Instead, it encourages us to explore this complex interplay, to acknowledge the inherent contradictions within our own identities, and to find strength in embracing the entirety of who we are.

This print serves as a visual reminder that self-discovery is not a linear path but a continuous process of exploration and reconciliation. It’s about recognizing the various facets of your personality, the light and the shadow, the strengths and the vulnerabilities, and accepting them all as integral parts of your being. It’s about acknowledging the influence of the world around you while simultaneously reclaiming ownership of your own narrative. It’s about understanding that true authenticity lies not in conforming to external expectations, but in embracing the beautiful complexity of your own truth.

The artwork’s title, “COLLARED,” is intentionally provocative. It challenges the viewer to question their immediate associations with the word and to delve deeper into its symbolic meaning. It encourages a critical examination of the power dynamics inherent in labels and classifications, both those imposed upon us and those we adopt ourselves. Ultimately, COLLARED New Media Art 020 is an invitation to own your duality, to recognize the multifaceted nature of your identity, and to find empowerment in the acceptance of your whole self. It’s a call to embrace the tension, to navigate the complexities, and to emerge with a deeper understanding of who you are, both within and beyond the confines of societal expectations. This work is a powerful tool for contemplation, a visual prompt to engage in an ongoing dialogue with yourself, and a reminder that the journey of self-discovery is a lifelong pursuit.

Related themes

Woman