Wyatt Nash
2005
When Nothing Bites (detail)
Foam, acrylic paint, plastic and fiberglass / Variable dimensions
Nash's recent work considers common objects found in suburbia. He works from memory, creating walls, hydrants, faucets, and other everyday necessities. During the process of creating these objects, the original perception of the form is distorted. They are left white, void of distinctive features. This element downplays any significance of reality, resulting in an Archetypal representation. He relies heavily on how he imagines an object to appear, and intuitively move forward from that point. Cartoon like characteristics emphasize the imaginary element of the work. He then animates these objects by having them perform exaggerated functions for which they are intended. These exaggerated actions enhance the cartoon-like mannerisms of the work. By representing the objects in this manner they are placed in an alternative context to their original purpose. While they are instantly recognized for what they represent, the work associates a new playful connotation to the items. Through this the objects are transformed from their mundane existence to something that sticks out and draws attention to itself as having an existence of its own.