Anna Randal for Art-Sheep
Symbiosis is a series of works by artist Rik Garrett, focusing on human relationships and sex.
Garrett paints directly onto photographs of couples in their most intimate moments, connecting the two bodies even more. Becoming a sole, blend of flesh. “‘Symbiosis’ is a new series exploring ideas regarding love, relationships, magic, Alchemy and mutually beneficial partnerships in nature,” says the artist.
Even though connecting and becoming “one flesh” with your partner, is very romantic and ideal concept, Garrett’s interpretation of “one” is a bit bizarre. “An integral concept of Alchemy is “Solve et Coagula” – dissolve and combine. This is the secret key to manifesting the Philosoher’s Stone, Elixr of Life and immortality. This ideal is represented with the image of the Rebis – a two-headed hermaphrodite that holds the assets of both genders.I have worked with this as my goal, erasing the boundaries of the human body. By applying paint directly to the surface of photographs, I have actualized an impossible dream – a physical union made tangible through desire. Through this process I have been able to visually and symbolically merge male and female into one body – the perfect being,” he writes in his artist statement.
