Zach Alexander Art399 Portfolio

Author/Artist Name

Zachariah M. Alexander, Murray State CollegeFollow

Files

Academic Level at Time of Creation

Junior

Date of Creation

Spring 5-7-2025

Artist Statement

The work I create theatrically explores my identity through reflections on personal experiences. Each piece is layered with multiple meanings, like the pros and cons of childhood or learning about self-reliance. Across mediums, there are aesthetic choices to convey the accuracy felt in moments of low spirits. There's an eccentric and personal aspect in the pieces that intertwine with my life. The common trait in the work often incorporates movement to convey past emotions. Darker tones create disorientation and confusion, setting the scene and foreshadowing deeper meanings. Some pieces reflect the past and address ongoing issues."Echoes of Childhood" reflects my complex relationship with my past. A teddy bear symbolizes innocence and nostalgia, with a clay heart wrapped in wire to represent trauma and the lasting impact of childhood memories.

Another example is "Alone," a photograph capturing the experience of feeling isolated as a new adult. Using Rembrandt lighting, I conveyed emptiness, with the figure holding herself to symbolize self-reliance during sorrow. "The Imperfect Balance," a ceramic piece, explores identity by rejecting conventional forms. Finger markings create dynamic movement. The clay is shaped into an unconventional form with an odd texture and moody colors. A bright mossy interior contrasts with the exterior, enhancing the appeal. These stylistic choices and meanings illustrate a journey of self-discovery, capturing the mind's chaotic nature through reworked mediums, symbolizing overcoming obstacles and personal growth.

Going into the central theme of the works, there are a couple of direct influences from artists in each of the pieces. The photograph took inspiration from David Lachaplle's use of vivid imagery and unique compositions to create a more striking and emotionally impactful scene. “Echoes of Childhood" blends the innocent image of a teddy bear with a haunting twist, like the artist Marcel Dzama's work. The juxtaposition of the familiar and the eerie is a hallmark of Dzama's work, making the piece thought-provoking. “The Imperfect Balance” used influence from Marlou Fernanda's concepts by featuring expressive forms with rhythmic finger marks. In conclusion, the work is a journey of healing and growth, illustrating vulnerability and progress. Upon reflecting on the art , it is ulinately a visual representation of an artist finding their way and healing their soul piece by piece.

Advisor/Mentor

Professor of Art 399 (Mike Martin) , Professor Sarah Martin ( Major Advisor), Professor Cintia Segovia Figueroa ( Photography Adivsor)

Description

In my work on Photoshop, I begin by layering photographs, textures, and hand-drawn elements to build complex visual compositions. I often manipulate lighting, color, and structure to evoke mood and emotional depth. My creative process is deeply rooted in personal experiences — I draw from themes of childhood and trauma to construct visuals that are both surreal and introspective. By revisiting memories and emotional fragments, I create scenes that feel dreamlike yet grounded in raw emotion, allowing viewers to connect with vulnerability and the fragmented nature of memory.

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Recommended Citation

Alexander, Zachariah M., "Zach Alexander Art399 Portfolio" (2025). Professional Practices (ART 399). 179.
https://digitalcommons.murraystate.edu/art399/179