Dustin Ream
Untitled (Barn) Medium: C-Print 19"x19"
Untitled (Barn) Medium: C-Print 19"x19"
Artist Statement
My goal is to make work that deals with the basic principles that constitute the human condition. What is essential about being human is that we are beings that are subjectively based and socially constructed. We exist in a reality that we can only view from own position and that we can only understand from our own point of view. Still, our understanding can only be created from social interaction. We are put in a difficult situation where our ultimate subjective position can leave us feeling separated and hopelessly alone. However the realization of the social nature of our subjectivity can allow us to understand that our participation in, and our acknowledgment of, our social foundation is what allows us to be human. I wish to find many ways to deal with this theme. To do this I make work that deals with visual language and symbols in various ways. I attempt to find and arrange images that present the viewer with a situation that allows them to get in touch with the nature of their understanding of the world. Among other things this involves attempting to allow the viewer to find how a particular symbol is defined for them as well as presenting images that expose the viewer to the absolutely vast proliferation of symbols and the human social world. I do not expect everyone or really anyone to look at my work and have a sort of existential revelation. Something a simple as walking up to an image and saying, “You know, that reminds me of…” gives the viewer a certain insight to the nature of their existence. I only hope that the work I make can somehow stimulate my audience to a more fulfilling understanding of their selves, and their relation to the world.