Artist's Statement for Tooth and Nail

 

One of my first realized bodies of work, 'Tooth and Nail' is an ongoing project that seeks to map the complex evolutionary history of the smile, and how the flashing or baring of the teeth varies in meaning within human social contexts as well as within humanity's closest relatives- the great apes. Primates have a complex relationship with that of humanity- while they capture the minds and hearts of certain individuals (e.g. Dian Fossey, Jane Goodall) they kindle an abject fear in others, prompting the creation of sensationalized media such as "Planet of the Apes," and "King Kong," which tend to overly brutalize the natures of our closest relatives. The divisive nature of apes is captured in this body of work through the focus on their teeth, which are traditionally employed to convey a diverse set of emotional states, much like those of humans. While some viewers could draw violent undertones from the bold use of color, frenetic brush strokes, and overemphasis on the teeth, others could find mystery or even humor in the way the subjects are carefully arranged within the images.