J o h n  T u o m i s t o - B e l l

Artist Statement

  2007-2008   

My current body of work is a continuation in the assessment of man’s aggressive nature. I find it interesting that we are repulsed at mankind’s atrocities yet attracted at the same time. This seemingly contradictory element is the foundation for this recent body of work. As I try to understand and make sense of this it, I only have more questions.

As I was producing pieces for my current show I pondered the concept for the “A bomb” piece. I know we use weapons to “save lives”. This is where the paradox comes in. That in order to save thousands we have to sacrifice thousands. It’s not that past decisions were necessarily wrong, being put in the position to make them at all is the problem.

Aggression is a natural instinct.

Violence, a common feature of most societies.

Both are part of the human condition and are tolerated in modern society to a certain extent.

At one end of the spectrum these are useful tools, at the other, destructive and deadly.

Knowledge, understanding and education are key.

It is our own ignorance and interpretation of understanding that seems destructive.

Examining mans aggressive nature is complex. It stems from social and cultural circumstances to biological issues that encompass mental, chemical and instinctive areas. My ongoing exploration into these issues offers me and offers a different perspective in order to continue and enhance the dialog.