conor doyle
the boys
universe
of
existence
Throughout our lives we partake in different micro universes (be it at work, social, family etc) which define our lives in that moment. Inside each of these different worlds we adopt:
different roles, wear the designated uniforms, speak its language and think certain ways... cumulatively shaping our being in that instance.
The three boys (Burger Boy / Party Boy / Office Boy) are different characters I have played in distinct universes I have inhabited.
Burger Boy smiles out a jaundiced grin on the elongated head of service industry professional worn out by compartmentalized superficiality.
Party Boy’s crooked gurn emphasises and amplifies our 21st century obligation emblazoned across his t-shirt, masking the lost soul beneath it.
While Office Boy’s dead eye stare compliments his burnt out rage covering his bloated and beaten face.
the build
Created: June - Aug 2021
Dimensions:
Height 109cm
Width: 135cm
Depth: 35cm
Burger Boy: (109 x 45 x 35)
Party Boy (101 x 45 x 35)
Office Boy (95 x 45 x 35)
Material: Treated & Damaged Flannel, Cardboard and Wadding
In terms of construction...
I adopt a 3-layer “human” process
(skeleton / musculoskeletan / skin)
At the core sits a 3d patterned cardboard skeleton structure...
I then layer a wadding/stuffing musculoskeletan ...
and finally the works skin is made from a treated flannel, using a heavy over-exposed stitching technique.
Like skin, fabric wears and damages in your hand, ageing naturally as you work on it.
wonky
detail
Using/or damaging materials, adding elements of irregularity and imperfection to distress the work creates a sense of agitation around something that looks fun and innocent at first glance…
questioning both our understanding of the work and secondly our trained everyday assumptions.
Adopting a neo-expressionist aesthetic enables me to supercede the imaginary projected facade of people to get below the surface to showcase the reality these micro-universes encase us in.
