In this series, Phylogenetic Analysis (2000-2002), I used the format of both small panels and larger canvases to make a series of individualized "portraits" of human animal/hybrids. The title of the series refers to the system of classification whereby living and extinct species are classified according to how primitive or advanced they seem in relation to each other. Growing out of the Diary series, the subjects of these paintings are a further evolution of my Frankenstein-like experiments. The difference between the Diary paintings and their Phylogenetic counterparts is that while the former references some aspect of our murky amorphous beginnings, the latter quite clearly depicts humanity-albeit attached perplexingly and somewhat uncomfortably to its amphibious ancestors.
I picture these water babies emerging from the murky beginnings of one-celled organisms that live(d) at the bottom of the ocean. Babies rather than adults – they are nascent forms learning to navigate new surroundings. I imagine they might also be the product of humans no longer able to survive on land, moving back to the water for their survival. Scientists believe this happened with whales, which may have developed small appendage-like "feet" that they used to hoist themselves onto land. Their huge body mass unable to be supported without the buoyancy of water, they retreated back to the ocean. As polar ice caps melt due to global warming, I can envision a similar evolution for human beings. More and more of the earth will be covered with water and land-dwelling humans may have to adapt to water life in order to survive. Since we are thought to have amphibious ancestors–our bodies are comprised of over 60 percent water–it seems only fitting that we might eventually return to water.
phylogenetic analysis
Coming Ashore, 2001-2
oil on canvas, 4’ x 3’
Coming Ashore (detail)
Coming Ashore (detail)
Phylogenetic Analysis (Sharkbaby), 2001, oil on canvas, 4’ x 3’
Phylogenetic Analysis (Frogbaby), 2002, oil on canvas, 28’ x 32”
Untitled, 2001, oil on panel, 7.5” x 8.5”
Untitled, 2001, oil on panel, 7.5” x 8.5”
Untitled, 2001, oil on panel, 7.5” x 8.5”
Untitled, 2001, oil on panel, 7.5” x 8.5”
Untitled, 2001, oil on panel, 7.5” x 8.5”
Untitled, 2002, oil on canvas, 15” x 15”
Untitled, 2001, oil on panel, 7.5” x 8.5”
Untitled, 2001, oil on panel, 7.5” x 8.5”
Untitled, 2001, oil on panel, 7.5” x 8.5”
Untitled, 2001, oil on panel, 7.5” x 8.5”
Untitled, 2001, oil on panel, 7.5” x 8.5”
Untitled, 2001, oil on panel, 7.5” x 8.5”
Untitled, 2001, oil on panel, 7.5” x 8.5”
Untitled, 2001, oil on panel, 7.5” x 8.5”
Untitled, 2001, oil on panel, 7.5” x 8.5”
Untitled, 2001, oil on panel, 7.5” x 8.5”
