Frank Atisso makes a return to The Annex at Dido Haas’ Nitroglobus Roof Gallery for September / October with Echoes of Illusion, a selection of bold – in a literal sense – images that offer a series of challenges to be considered; some of which are intentional on the part of the the artist – as he states as much in his own introduction to the exhibition – others of which, given the nature of the world in which we currently live might well not be entirely the artist’s intent, but which may nevertheless resonate with those viewing the pieces.
Frank explains Echoes of Illusion thus:
The images I created … reflect and amplify the deceptive nature of concepts like peace and freedom.
I chose the combination of black, white, and red as it best represents the stark contrasts and underlying truths of these dark themes, highlighting how illusions and false promises resonate and reverberate through society.
– Frank Atisso, introducing Echoes of Illusion
Thus on offer are nine very large images presented purely in red and/or black and/or white. Each one can be interpreted both directly and indirectly, and many carry the idea that contrary to the general (and mistaken) perception that white is akin to purity and goodness and black and red are so often associated more with anger, violence, darkness and death, as with many things in life, things are not so clear cut, and the purity of white can veil much that is itself harmful or hold harmful intent. Within them is also that broader commentary on the current state of society to which Frank alludes, and the increasingly pervasive dangers of false promises and the use of disinformation to blind people to realities that could so easily entrap them.
The best way to appreciate each image is to right-click it and view the title, and then allow it and the title to permeate your thoughts. In this way the core meaning of an image is readily identified, whilst the mind is free to consider it in light of the aforementioned boarder state of increasingly polarised (particularly western) societies: the echo chambers of social media; the aggravation of ill-conceived “injustices” as a means to foment anger and resentment under the guise of bringing hope, strength and security; the false realities of so-called wealthy “thought leaders” and their thirst for authoritarian control of those they seek to persuade and the reality that they care little for the welfare of those same followers, other than then heed the call and be ready to spread divisiveness and inflict chaos, no matter what the cost to themselves or their own rights.
It is because there is so much potential here, coupled with the fact that outside of Second Life I hold very particular views concerning those leading the extreme right and the realities of their words and deeds which has already potentially biased my commentary, that I do not want to inflict my own views further on this exhibition. Instead I urge you to go along and spend time within it and allow it to speak to you.
SLurl Details
- The Annex, Nitroglobus (Sunshine Homestead, rated Moderate)
Inara Pey: Living in a Modemworld 