Damon Maxwell

Artist's Statement:

Until recently, I have lived my life in accordance with a very strict self-written, self-imposed set of rules that I have come to refer to as “code”. This extremely complex “code” contains within it rules for conduct, judgement, and action for myself as well as others. It also allows for little or no deviation. The result of living under such elaborate guidelines has served me incredibly well for the majority of my life, but not without great consequence. Recently, I have had opportunity, through a combination of intense therapy and introspection, to examine my personal “code” in extreme detail and make some rather startling discoveries. The most important of these is the fact that my “code” is no longer functioning as conceived, and is in fact now actually working against me. It is this intense and continuing journey of personal exploration, examination and discovery that has provided the inspiration for my most recent body of work entitled “Beyond Code.”

“Before and Beyond” is a selection of both two and three dimensional works that form a progression leading up to, and including the “Beyond Code” series. This group of works deals with sensitive thematic issues such as self-perception, relationships, anger, parenting, control, religion and sexuality. The figure, in it’s depiction, distortion, and manipulation serves as the work’s most central icon. As well as providing the obvious cathartic function inherent in the act of creation, I have realized that these works have within them the potential to play an even larger role. By providing commentary and perhaps even insight into issues that remain relevant in today’s societies, these works have the potential to successfully bridge the gap between personal and public arenas. It is precisely this potential for personal discovery to translate into public dialogue that fuels my desire to expose and exhibit this body of work.