Primal Inheritance
Harry HD
"Primal Inheritance," by Harry HD is the second solo show to result from the Niceaunties AI-Video Grant. The solo show presents an exploration of the intersections between technology, culture, and human instinct. Drawing inspiration from the seminal film "2001: A Space Odyssey," Harry's work reflects on the continuity of primal drives amidst advanced technological landscapes, suggesting that despite our progress, our basic impulses remain unchanged.
Throughout these works, we see Harry's technique of using recurring symbolic imagery—two figures in confrontation—to explore themes of conflict and connection while hinting at the cyclical nature of creation and destruction, both mythic and technological. Central to Harry's artistic process is the use of collage and rotoscoping to create layers of imagery that interact within the confines of a single artwork. This method, reminiscent of the cut-up technique of William Burroughs, allows for the emergence of new meanings and patterns. By incorporating transparencies, Harry creates a dynamic interplay between foreground and background, enhancing the viewer’s perception of how themes like commercialism, violence, and sexuality coexist and influence our societal and psychological landscapes.
The videos could be seen as positioned within the collage tradition but elevate it through the use of artificial intelligence. AI, as Harry describes, serves as a modern tool for collage, amalgamating our collective visual memories into a "ghostly scrapbook" of familiar yet distorted imagery. This process despecifies iconic images, stripping them of their original contexts and reassembling them into new narratives that challenge our perceptions and provoke introspection.
"Primal Inheritance" is not only a visual journey through the layered complexities of human experience but also a critical commentary on the role of technology in shaping our understanding of the world. It invites viewers to reflect on the omnipresent influence of media, the unchanging nature of human desires, and the transformative power of art in reimagining the familiar.
Artworks
The Artist
Subscribe