Whilst researching artists for my current art topic, I came across photoshop artist Michael Oswald. Although he has a vast portfolio, I was mainly interested in his 'cyborg' pieces, because of how they relate to the concept behind my zip series. I came up with the theme because of how society edits what people (particularly women) look like and what they say. Then, to come across these digitalised, robot women was really interesting.
The first thing that strikes me is how sexualised these robots are. Although Oswald calls them 'cyborgs', what about them is actually robotic? Their joints? Their skin?... Or the fact that they are displaying themselves in such sexual positions, without any emotion on their face?
The undercurrent of objectification is particularly apparent when comparing Oswald's many robot women with one of his only robot men. He is clearly a swimmer, so has an excuse for being shirtless...What is the reason that all the women are in their underwear? Or is a reason not necessary?
Perhaps I am reading too much into this, but more likely: I am not. This work fits in well with my current topic because I was looking at how society sees women, and how it warps them into an ideal mold. Oswald has displayed this by creating pieces that seem to just be sexualised digital objects.
I was thinking about how I could reference this in my work. There is no doubt that Oswald is incredible in his art. Digital artists like him are inspirational for me... but of course the actual message is just as important as the skill.
I noticed how Oswald did not change the faces of the models. So, I decided to turn two photos of me into robots: focusing just on the facial features rather than body. I did not want these pieces to be sexualised: I wanted them to be clearly robotic, rather than attractive.
So, I really did find Oswald's pieces thought provoking and inspiring. His photoshop talent is remarkable too, if only he'd been able to bridge that gap between almost-pornographic paintings and beautiful art.
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