Artist Statement
“Skype”ing in the Heavens with Keith Haring

K: Being tested by the media and mentality of this anti-individual society, where stereotypes are the reigning power and overpopulation has forced us to believe that we exist as “ kinds of people” or “types of people” or “generalizations”, has produced artists with the realization that individuality is still the base of it all. Individuality is the enemy of this mass society. Individuality speaks for the individual and makes him a significant factor. Art is individuality. I feel this is the underlying message of modern art.

N: Yeah. My work focuses on seeking out the individual within the organization of these generalizations. I believe in individuality.  I find uniqueness through repetition when I paint and draw: time creates an element of change.

K: Repetition, with out a camera (or machine) is not repetition.

N: Absolutely! The antlers, haircuts and helmets that populate my drawings emphasize the similarities and differences of a collective group within a space that keeps them united. The new forms of identity I create single out specific traits and use them as a map of classification.  The selection of antlers and helmets emphasize the balance between beauty and intimidation, protection and attraction.  My work examines the characteristics of protective and distinctive headgear, the balance between uniqueness and sameness, and the shift from individuality to a collective identity.  I contemplate the general things that unite us: space and the sky.  How we organize in a crowded or empty space.  How families group together for a portrait vs. a class photo of students in uniforms.  Our relationships define formations.
I’ve been asked many times to locate my work in art history, implying that I have to put myself in a group.  It would be impossible to place myself in any one category because my work references so many different aspects of individual movements like Surrealism, Impressionism, and even Egyptian Art. 

K:  After seeing these many “movements” and “group styles” and “periods” of art history, I believe we have reached a point where there can be no more group mentality, no more movements, no more shared ideals.  It is time for self-realization.

N: I discover my self through my work.  The antler drawings with their repetitive symmetry reveal my interest in duality.  Duality has always been part of my life. As a fraternal twin growing up with divorced parents we had two moms, two dads, two-step brothers, two-step sisters, two countries, two houses, and two bedrooms. And despite the shared similarities with my brother, we are completely different individuals.  My brother is a constant reminder of my individuality.  We are a pair, like the antlers, but have different traits.  The antlers are symbols of this contrast between individuality and duality.  I use symbols to communicate my real experiences as well as my invented mythologies.  Some drawings specifically reference my Chilean roots, using an invented iconography that is inspired by the coastal country’s native sea creatures, animals, nature, mountains, and anchors.

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