AUNT JEMIMA vs. BETTY CROCKER
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Aunt Jemima vs. Betty Crocker
An Evolving Exhibition by Sean StarWars and B. Stephen Carpenter, II
Aunt Jemima vs. Betty Crocker: The Concept
Artists Sean StarWars and B. Stephen Carpenter, II both create assemblage and mixed-media works. Although they work independently from one another, their works share similar perspectives on American culture, and both artists critique the ways in which Americans use visual imagery to construct reality. The title of the exhibition, Aunt Jemima vs. Betty Crocker functions as an entry point into the layered experience of negotiating this collection of works. As two familiar cultural icons, Jemima and Crocker each suggest a set of assumptions and stereotypes, but setting up a confrontation between these two women contradicts notions of confrontation. When their names are juxtaposed in such a way, the viewer is forced to make certain assumptions about Jemima and Crocker, and thereby stage plausible confrontations between not only the two women, but also between various social, cultural, racial, and historical issues that their names and images imply.
Of the show, Sean StarWars comments, "Originally my box constructions came about from the sudden unavailabilty of a large enough printing press to carry on with my large woodcuts.having recently finished graduate school andfinding the difficulties of no studio / no press . i turned to my few remaining options. i had plenty of cultural debris that could be manipulated into collages and assmeblages.it was right around thetime that i was approached to do the show with stephen that eventually became AJ vs. BC ."
Of the show, Sean StarWars comments, "Originally my box constructions came about from the sudden unavailabilty of a large enough printing press to carry on with my large woodcuts.having recently finished graduate school andfinding the difficulties of no studio / no press . i turned to my few remaining options. i had plenty of cultural debris that could be manipulated into collages and assmeblages.it was right around thetime that i was approached to do the show with stephen that eventually became AJ vs. BC ."
Sean StarWars (a.k.a. Sean Stewart) is a printmaker, painter, and assemblage artist.
ARTIST'S STATEMENT: SEAN STARWARS
Increasingly, I have found myself drawn to the modern myths of Star Wars, Native Americans, the stereotypical southern man, and the corporate struggle for brandidentity. My affinity towards these make believe worlds, coupled with my largely expressionist printmaking sensibilities have enabled me to create an arena to play out any number of fantasies.
Specifically, I am fascinated by the dynamic of what happens when you combine elements of one artificial environment with another. Setting the drama that unfolds within a popular culturecontext affords me almost limitless possibilities. Star Wars, Mountain Dew, video games, Phillip Guston, Neil Blender, and Jean Dubuffet have all been tremendous influences. My goal is to createan environment where the various icons of consumer culture can simultaneously react to one another and serve as points of commonality to the viewer, thus allowing me the opportunity todeliver whatever message I feel is relevant. I have chosen the format of the large scale woodcut because it best suits my energy charged, caffeine induced, aggressive approach to image making.
Alot of questions have arisen from my use of the klansman in my artwork, some people have actually been offended by it. I say it is easier to be offended than to think. For the record, I have nointerest, affinity or affiliation with the klan. Similarly I have no connection with Indians, or robots.
ARTIST'S STATEMENT: SEAN STARWARS
Increasingly, I have found myself drawn to the modern myths of Star Wars, Native Americans, the stereotypical southern man, and the corporate struggle for brandidentity. My affinity towards these make believe worlds, coupled with my largely expressionist printmaking sensibilities have enabled me to create an arena to play out any number of fantasies.
Specifically, I am fascinated by the dynamic of what happens when you combine elements of one artificial environment with another. Setting the drama that unfolds within a popular culturecontext affords me almost limitless possibilities. Star Wars, Mountain Dew, video games, Phillip Guston, Neil Blender, and Jean Dubuffet have all been tremendous influences. My goal is to createan environment where the various icons of consumer culture can simultaneously react to one another and serve as points of commonality to the viewer, thus allowing me the opportunity todeliver whatever message I feel is relevant. I have chosen the format of the large scale woodcut because it best suits my energy charged, caffeine induced, aggressive approach to image making.
Alot of questions have arisen from my use of the klansman in my artwork, some people have actually been offended by it. I say it is easier to be offended than to think. For the record, I have nointerest, affinity or affiliation with the klan. Similarly I have no connection with Indians, or robots.
To view works by Sean StarWars from Aunt Jemima vs. Betty Crocker, click on the image to the right>>>>>
Sean StarWars, (2000), Mixed-media assemblage
Sean StarWars, (2000), Mixed-media assemblage
Click on the image to the right to go to Sean StarWars' home page>>>
Click on the image to the right to go to Sean StarWars' home page>>>
B.S.Carpenter, II (2000). Foster Children
To read Carpenter's ARTIST'S STATEMENT, either click on the link above on the left, or click on this image.
To read Carpenter's ARTIST'S STATEMENT, either click on the link above on the left, or click on this image.
B. S. Carpenter, II (2000). Clearance.
