Vincent Tomczyck: Medium and Meaning
Vincent Tomczyk creates hyper-realistic and subversive paper sculptures which I will be discussing in this post. I feel that this medium in sculpture can evoke a strong emotional reaction in the viewer depending on the content. For me, paper has always seemed to be an 'elementary' medium due to its familiarity and limiting reputation. It was pleasing to research the works provided as a testament to the craft and creativity that individuals are capable of.
Tomczyck's work initially struck me solely as a display of skill. Undoubtedly it is, but upon reading the artist statement and viewing his work more closely on the site provided, I began to consider more closely what his art might mean. The article notes how these everyday objects might first be overlooked, but the revelation of the objects being paper would be shocking. I think that this medium greatly contributes to the art, lending to the "visceral connections" that Tomczyck mentions. It can also make one consider ideas of reality and the fragility of what we may take for granted.
I looked to Tomczyck's website and a 2014 article to expand on the ideas and processes involved. Due to a lack of interviews or articles, I used these sites to find more of his work and read what I was able to find. The article states that Tomzcyck does his work by hand. Some of his works are constructed with thread, canvas, or mixed media along with painted paper. Looking at the art that was not featured on the provided article really helped me to consider the different implications of Tomzcyck's work. The worn leather armchair below looks cracked and lived in. The sculpture reflects reality and, knowing that it has been constructed with paper, leaves the viewer unsettled in its mimicry. The "visually poetic" work is an intricate item too fragile to be used for its intuitive purpose.
I selected Tomczyk's work for review because I was inspired by how he challenges instinctual expectations to create such striking work. The intricacy of his work also grabbed by attention. After reading his statement, I was interested in his intent to create objects "free of function", and why. His choice of medium seems very deliberate and adds to his work. I found that it creates a stronger reaction in the viewer, creating meaning and inspiring reflection. The personal significance of Tomczyk's work was attractive to me as well and is something that I would like to mirror in my own art.
Sources:
Vincent Tomczyk Artist - VERISIMILITUDES
https://www.designandpaper.com/paper-realism-by-vincent-tomczyk/
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