Ramon Beaskoetxea

Thursday, 12 April 2007

Master of Fine Art 2009 "Artist Statement"

My present work is an exploration of masculinity. During the last 50 years, different movements such as Feminism have confronted the old masculine identity of leadership and breadwinning and query gender issues towards social equality. The coming out of gay-men and its influence in fashion and body culture have brought new stereotypes of masculinity that could be described as a more homo-hetero “blend”. I feel that it is nowadays when we start to notice the consequences of these events in the form of a fusion between genders; in fashion, in body culture and in body care.
To represent this idea, I have mixed the muscular structure of a strong arm with the delicate and fragile work of lace pattern. By using glass and copper I allow my work to question social stereotypes such as “men are stronger than women” , through the contradiction of materials; Reason why I use glass to sculpt the male arm and copper to create the feminine lace pattern.
For the glass arms I have used browns and terracotta colours to relate it to masculinity, and for the lace work I have used black in order to give it a more feminine sexual look. The two final objects or icons have been assembled through electroforming, and finally patinated and polished to give the piece an attractive finish.

Degree Show 2007 "Artist Statment"

My exhibition entitled “Bull-Fighting”, focuses on the power relationship between men and animals and refers to their interaction in the arena. The project originated from research conducted in my native country, Spain on the bull fight, a defining icon of our culture. This phenomenon is considered by many to be a traditional and artistic event but has always been surrounded by controversy. From a cultural and ethical perspective, the sport is questionable due to its obvious brutality and anachronistic nature. While the power, the elegance, the wildness and bravery of the bull, make me proud to be considered a Spaniard when I see what the bulls have to go through in the arena, I want to deny being a part of this culture.