| Portraying the Heroic
The subject matter is iconic and familiar, but the style of the
pieces and the materials used in their creation are decidedly contemporary.
My work explores notions of heroism in popular culture through a
modern re-examination of ageless myths. Though cloaked in shrouds
of lore and magic, my figures represent ordinary human beings, attempting
to define the relationship between who they are and whom they wish
to be. Although the images are idealized, intrepid, and bold, never
in doubt is their humanity. The work is metaphorical for the human
condition in modern society in the first decade of the 21st century;
a core of realism surrounded by the more unnerving images we wish
the world to notice and judge.
Sculpture Inspired by Iconic Art and Myth features the latest creations
from recently returned Los Angeles artist, Philip Hitchcock. On
view are more than 20 pieces, including 12 new life-size figures
inspired by heroic figures from art, history, and mythology.
Heroes, Gods, Mortals - Warriors All
"This new phase of sculptures by artist Philip Hitchcock presents
the human form, armored, idealized and poised for battle in a re-imagined
landscape of postmodern mythology, which collapses influences from
Greek, Nordic, Medieval and Egyptian traditions. Each sculpture
in this collection seems to demand a retelling of classical mythology
from Thor--The God of Thunder to Prometheus--the savior of mankind
and bringer of fire, while encouraging us to ask: What adventures
lie ahead for these new heroes? What enemies will they confront?
And, what sacrifices will they be required to make in a time of
need?
"Hitchcock's work presents a renewed sense of urgency to reexamine
the heroic in a modern context. His aesthetic presents idealized
castings of the human figure, which are powerful enough alone, yet
he retrofits these bodies, infusing them with technology, eroticism,
and discourses on pain and pleasure. At the site of this fusion,
the heroic figure transforms, activating new interpretations. In
Thus Spake Zarathusra, Nietzsche wrote, 'Dead are all the Gods.'
But clearly, Philip Hitchcock's work seeks to resurrect these spirits
for battle in the modern world.
"I strongly suspect that these sculptures will inspire a new
generation of artists and art lovers to seek out the heroic stories
of the past, which are replete with powerful Gods, fearless heroes,
epic battles, and endless struggles that still resonate today."
William Whittington, Ph.D.
Assistant Chair of Critical Studies
University of Southern California
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