Artist's Comments

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Superhero Unfolding (SU) is the underlying concept for a series of art projects. It is one of three concepts that began to develop while I was in treatment for breast cancer in 2016. Superhero Unfolding holds the view that inside of each and every human lies a superhero ready to awaken, ready to unfold. These heroes are waiting to be recognized, appreciated and called forth. SU is about connecting with the divine and the evolution of the human spirit, in an age of rampant consumerism and spiritual materialism. Examining the gradual process of awakening to divinity, while co-existing in a fast-paced, image-obsessed society, the project enlists pop-culture symbols, imagery and marketing practices to attract and engage the viewer/consumer.

Superhero Unfolding explores themes of identity and self expression, using the iconography of popular culture. Superheroes, to be precise. Superheroes were chosen because of their status as modern myths, their prominence in our culture and the effect that their stories have on the collective consciousness of our society. SU intends to co-opt the brand of the superhero. To use its symbols and imagery as a means to inspire self-discovery, empowerment and liberation.

 

“Every man is a divinity in disguise,
a god playing the fool.”
Quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson

Awakening to Divinity
The concept of a divine presence dwelling within man, is common to all major world religions. In the Judeo-Christian tradition it is known as the “soul.” In Hinduism it is called the “atman.”  Buddhists recognize it as “buddha nature.” Muslims call it “ruh." Aboriginal and shamanistic traditions describe it as “spirit” or “essence.” With, each group possessing its own methods and rituals for actualizing/realizing its full potential.
 
Unveiling this divinity has long been the quest of martyrs, monks, magicians, mystics and madmen. Those who have endured arduous journeys, arcane rites and rituals, or ascetic practices to catch a glimpse of this inexplicable essence. Mercurial, as quicksilver, it is the muse of writers, artists, musicians, poets and philosophers. An effervescent elixir bubbling beneath the surface of all things. Ever-present and elusive, it is a mystery that unfolds for the courageous who open their hearts and minds to embrace the world with love, compassion, joy and equanimity.

The process of uncovering the underlying nature of our experience begins when we open to life as it is in each moment, without expectations, without fear, without concepts, without stories. As we shed our conditioning, suspend our judgements, and drop our resistance to life we are able to open to our experience as it is. And, awaken to the divinity, the superhero, dwelling within.

The challenge put forth by Superhero Unfolding is to simply “know thyself/be thyself.” To dare to delve into that great mystery with curiosity and enthusiasm, suspending hope or fear. To be here now and discover flexibility, resilience, love and appreciation for yourself and others.

 

“Greater in battle than the man who would conquer a thousand-thousand men, is he who would conquer just one — himself. Better to conquer yourself than others..”
Quote by Guatama Buddha

The Possibility of Evolution
The human experience is described through narratives, passed down generation to generation. With each successive generation reframing the story through the lens of the popular culture and the moral conventions of their time. In essence, rebranding the narrative, reappropriating it,  to suit their needs, purpose or agenda. Nowhere is this more evident than in the superhero films that permeate modern American media.

These hyper-violent sagas promote and reinforce outdated values that are dehumanizing and dangerous to the survival of our species. Pitting man against man in an endless struggle for material wealth, or world domination, these stories fortify the illusion of dualism, stressing competition over collaboration. Consequently, flattening any complex situation into a subjective battle between good and evil. While promoting a paradoxical dichotomy, wherein, the atrocities of the villain are condemned, while those of the hero are celebrated.

These stories disempower the average person, portraying them as little more than a hapless victim or an unwitting pawn, whose salvation lies in the hands of an aggressive, intellectually and/or physically “superior” being. A view which champions the mindset of victimhood and blame which pervades our culture. This view also drives a system based on fear and fosters dependence on an external source for deliverance. Consequently, robbing the individual of their power and ability to understand and take responsibility for themselves, their actions and emotions.

Within this system, any action taken by the “good guy“ is viewed as right, moral and justified regardless of the harm it causes, or the violence it inspires in others. This attitude creates a defensive mentality which focuses amassed fear toward an explosive pinnacle. Human history is littered with its atrocities. Good guys win, bad guys lose. Bad guys win, good guys lose. Billions suffer. And, the cycle continues.

We have come to a point in the evolutionary process of our species where it is possible to alter this pattern. We have the ability, and the means, to collaborate creatively to craft a new template for our world. We need only shift our perspective and take personal responsibility for ourselves and our own well being. By turning inward we can discover our divinity/our power and resiliency. We can learn to exchange fear for love, greed for generosity and ignorance for wisdom.

Superhero Unfolding urges us to relinquish the role of victim and awaken our innate power. To begin to see ourselves and others as unique beings of value and valor, resilient and resplendent. And, to approach the mysterious evolutionary process of life unfolding with curiosity and courage.

 

“To be nobody but yourself in a world which is doing its best, night and day, to make you everybody else -
means to fight the hardest battle which any human being can fight; and never stop fighting.”
Quote by e.e. cummings

Final Thoughts
Superhero Unfolding presents us with an opportunity to know ourselves more deeply or to discover a previously unseen aspect of who we are or who we might be. The questions raised in this project are meant to inspire self-reflection and self-discovery, an appreciation for oneself and others, curiosity, levity, laughter and a smile or two!

I have had many thoughts about Superhero Unfolding. And, in the end, it is about you and it is about me. It is about the evolutionary process of life, of finding the divinity within ourselves, individually and collectively. And, knowing it as one and the same.

The background image was created in Vienna, the artist is unknown to me. Photo: Maria Scholler.

Awakening to Divinity

The Possibility of Evolution

Final Thoughts

“And now you are and I am and we're a mystery which will never happen again.”

Quote by e.e.cummings