BethBrowne
BethBrowne
Artist Statement
Chaos, a state of disorder, confusion, or unpredictability, happens naturally within the world and within its inhabitants. It exhibits an apparent randomness, can wreak havoc and distress, and yet chaos can also manifest unexpected, awe-inspiring experiences. Within my artistic practice, I am particularly interested in visually conveying how chaos intertwines itself with our lives, what creates it, and how we react to it. I believe these internal and external elements of chaos often dictate who we are. My work is a dialogue about how chaos perpetuates our self-preservation instinct to create order, which is often outwardly manifested through the filtering of our words, image and lives to project a controlled self.
I have begun to explore chaos and order of the female reproductive system. Although there is beauty in the ability to create life, which is often celebrated, the effects of pregnancy loss, hormonal dysfunction, disease, and infertility are often
incapacitating events shrouded in a cloud of secrecy and shame. This paradox often leaves the afflicted to attempt a sense of normalcy by creating facades of themselves, attempting to maintain a level of function and productivity while burdened with physical and mental anguish.
I’m aiming to explore the visual existence of a system that can be both miraculous and devasting. I’m drawn to textures and growths like moss on a tree. These organisms take advantage of its hosts inability to free itself, much like reproductive diseases such as endometriosis. I want to celebrate the system that gives forth life, but also make aware its ability to inflict suffering mentally and physically. Is it possible for artworks to project awe and beauty as well as suffering?