Pleasure is pain (2019) – 80 cm x 80 cm – Collage and mixed media on canvas
This collage was inspired by my contemplation of the idea that pleasure equates to pain.
The jelly bean hands and silhouettes of nude women represent the relentless pursuit of pleasure in modern times, evident in pornography, junk food, sweets, and other vices.
The piece features various symbols alluding to ‘Memento Mori’ or ‘remember your mortality’, with the skull and the hourglass representing death and the passing of time, respectively. Phrases like “Fuck Francis Bacon” and “Fuck Art” express my frustration at not being further along in my art career, underscoring the theme that chasing such pleasures causes pain rather than allowing enjoyment of my current stage.
I should add that I admire the artists I’ve criticised; my frustration stems from their possessing something I lack. Each artist’s journey is unique.
