Released Jan 25, 2024
About 'The Awakening'
‘The Awakening’ is an autobiographical self-portrait, drawing inspiration from my life with my chronic skin condition, alongside my recent delving into the world of science fiction. This work explores the idea of self-awareness and questions the notion of the pre-programming of who we are supposed to be, whether dictated by societal conditioning, computer coding or design.
Influenced by the sci-fi masterpieces ranging from one of the earliest looks at man-made life in Mary Shelly’s ‘Frankenstein’, to the more recent HBO’s ‘Westworld’, I look at how artificial intelligence and, in particular, android ‘hosts’ are rendered in the very specific eye of their creator. From pre-programmed scripts that drive their very being down to the absence of unaccounted scars, moles or birthmarks. In ‘The Awakening’, I use the unexpected markings left by the revolver as a metaphor for the birth of consciousness with all its consequences.
On a practical level, the physical and logistical challenges involved in using my skin as a canvas amplify the metaphorical struggle for control over my own narrative. It represents reclaiming my bodily autonomy and breaking from a pre-programmed identity.
With the rapid rise of artificial intelligence, this work also prompts the question: Where is the gun?
About The Artist
Iness Rychlik is a renowned self-portrait photographer, who has been active in the space since early 2021.
Since she suffers from a chronic skin condition, Iness often uses her own body as a canvas for artistic expression. The subtle elegance of Rychlik’s compositions contrasts with an underlying aura of brutality. Her conceptual photographs provoke the viewer’s imagination, rather than satisfy it.
Featured by ‘The British Journal of Photography’, ‘Cultura Inquieta’, ‘Beautiful Bizarre Magazine’, ‘L’Officiel Italia’, BBC Scotland.
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