No Man
Silkscreen on plywood
120cm x 102cm
In ‘No Man’, I reimagine Leonardo da Vinci's Vitruvian Man, infusing the classical symbol of human perfection with personal narrative and contemporary themes. The piece features a digitally created self-portrait in the iconic pose but introduces deliberate alterations that disrupt the idealised form and invite deeper reflection.
The figure stands naked except for footwear and a woollen hat - a subtle yet significant detail referencing my neurodivergence and sensitivity to sensory experiences. The hat symbolises the comfort sought in a world not always accommodating to different ways of being, juxtaposing vulnerability with a need for self-preservation.
Absent from the figure is a crucial part of the anatomy: where the genitalia would traditionally be depicted, there is a void - a deliberate hole. Surrounding this emptiness, the flesh forms both a circle and a square, directly nodding to the geometric shapes in da Vinci's original drawing. This absence speaks to feelings of incompleteness, the sacrifices made in pursuing deeper meaning, and challenges conventional notions of wholeness and masculinity.
Out of reach of the figure's four extended hands are tempting objects: a packet of cigarettes, a glass of wine, a cupcake, and a moka coffee pot. These items represent addictive pleasures and instant gratifications that are consciously kept at bay. Their placement just beyond grasp highlights the tension between desire and self-discipline, embodying the continual choice to say "no" in favour of personal growth.
‘No Man’ challenges and expands upon established symbols, re-contextualising a cultural icon to critique modern society and utilises self-portraiture to explore themes of identity and representation. The work engages with current dialogues around personal identity, vulnerability, neurodivergence, and the societal pressures that shape our perceptions.
Through its layered symbolism and personal reflections, the piece invites viewers to contemplate the complexities of desire, the pursuit of meaning, and the choices that define us. It questions universal standards by presenting an individual perspective that is both intimate and broadly resonant. ‘No Man’ becomes a canvas for exploring the multifaceted nature of the human experience, encouraging a deeper engagement with the themes that connect us all.
Adorning the figure's feet are ice skates and ballet shoes - personal symbols reflecting my childhood aspirations and interests. These elements anchor the work in lived experience, evoking the paths embraced and those left behind. They speak to the complexities of decision-making and how past choices shape the present journey.
By employing silkscreen printing onto plywood using a monochrome halftone image, the artwork combines digital precision with a tactile, organic substrate. The choice of plywood adds a raw, textured quality that grounds the piece in physical reality, while the halftone technique introduces a layer of visual complexity. This fusion reflects the nuanced nature of contemporary identity - where traditional and modern elements coexist and inform one another.