MILLIE BURTON

ARTIST STATEMENT

The Chiasm, a series of self-portraits

I am investigating the complexities of human skin as both an intricate physical boundary and a site of sensory engagement. Through a series of close-up studies of my skin I depict this intimate yet universally experienced surface. The drawings are autobiographical; this is my physical presence ‘redefined’ as self-portraits.

As I draw the tissue paper naturally buckles, folds and creases, the drawing process mirrors the material nature of my subject matter. The tissue is layered up with an under layer of stronger drawing which suggests a silhouette of the body beneath the top layers. My aim is to refer to both the intricate patterns of our skin and a living body.

Referring to Merleau-Ponty’s concept of The Chiasm – where vision and touch become inseparably intertwined- which suggests the nature of human existence is to be both a perceiving subject and an object to be perceived; we do not simply observe the world; we are also part of it perpetuated through sensory engagement. My portraits, therefore, intend to reveal a more nuanced understanding and exploration of the human body, where the unique intricacies within us come to light.

EMAIL:

millieburton2004@gmail.com