“PLASTICENE DREAM” DAN LYDERSEN

THINKSPACE PROJECTS

Exhibited from September 2 to September 23, 2023

The concept of the "Plasticene Epoch" postulates a future where plastics become so pervasive in our environment that they leave discernible traces in the fossil record, ushering in a new geological era. "Plasticene Dream" takes this notion to an imaginative extreme, envisioning a surreal scenario where plastics and organic matter have seamlessly fused, blurring the lines between the two.

This artistic collection takes shape through a series of whimsical portraits, sentient still life compositions, and fantastical depictions of inanimate objects brought to life. The paintings feature peculiar amalgamations of plastic, clay, and a diverse range of synthetic and organic materials. These artworks introduce an eccentric cast of characters whose identities and purposes remain nebulous, inviting viewers to contemplate their enigmatic nature. While these pieces flirt with the conventions of traditional portraiture and still life painting, they diverge significantly from the narrative and allegorical tendencies typically associated with those genres.

Much of the inspiration behind this project stems from my experiences raising two young children over the past few years. Immersed in the idiosyncratic world of their developing imaginations, I witnessed firsthand the profound sense of wonder and limitless potential they attach to even the most mundane objects. Everything, to them, possesses anthropomorphic qualities, and tales of imaginary characters spontaneously emerge, meander, and dissipate without any prescribed narrative resolution. Over time, these qualities organically seeped into my own artistic expression, influenced by the multitude of clay sculptures, trinkets, toys, and playthings that have accumulated in my household.

The result is a more sophisticated rendition of a child's imaginative scribble adorned with googly eyes or a well-handled piece of Playdoh complete with pipe-cleaner appendages. Rather than striving to replicate a child's imagination, this collection seeks to embrace its adventurous and exploratory spirit. It revels in the art of improvisation, encourages free association, and celebrates the boundless creativity that flows from the act of unburdened expression.