Insect Cyclopes

The Insect Cyclopes are a series of cast white plastic objects patterned with graphite and each adorned with a single crystal oculus. The delicate line work and sparkling eyes draw the viewer in as the bug-form repulses.

They are: Ahura Mazda, the multi-faceted creator; Angra Mainyu, the destructive spirit; Saoshyant, a savior figure; Zoroaster, prophet of the first world religion; Azi Dahaka, the evil; and Gayomard, the first mortal. As an entymythological work, contemporary symbolisms of good, evil, change, struggle, and enlightenment are delivered through non-human similitude. Instead, I offer these icons to be read through a semiotic consideration of symmetry, line quality, and contrast.

The bodies may seem familiar, yet these are new forms composed from bits and patterns of the velvet worm, woodlouse, widow spider, damselfly, ladybird, veined moth, limpet, octopus, chiton, rattlesnake, siren, and others more obscurely included. In the style of creative taxidermy, these creatures are at once new and old, true and imaginary, godly and inert.

Saoshyant

Graphite on plastic, 2015

Gayomard

Graphite on plastic, 2015

Azi Dahaka

Graphite on plastic, 2015

Angra Mainyu

Graphite on plastic, 2015

Ahura Mazda

Graphite on plastic, 2015

Zoroaster

Graphite on plastic, 2015

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