The Weight of My Soul Keeps Ringing in My Ear
An exhibition of works by Helena Hamilton
I’ve been accused of being egotistical. Yes, I. This is my work. Yes, we. This is my work. Yes, you. This is my work. Yes, society. This is my work. Repeat.
THE ONE CREATING = I
THE ONE VIEWING = I
THE ONE CRITICIZING = I
“Every man takes the limits of his own field or vision for their limits of the world”
German Philosopher, Arthur Schopenhauer.
Through the form of self-portraiture, Hamilton’s work focuses on contemporary themes of censorship, consumerism, love, identity and individuality. Her strategy takes a personal approach, interweaving her life with her art: using it to question the conscious and unconscious social structures and pressures that she experiences. The processes that Hamilton uses are often of a repetitive nature, evolving through action, corroding the very work that she is producing. She is interested in the doing rather than the done. Through her approach she does not seek to find definite answers (unsure as to whether truth exists), rather Hamilton wishes to personally explore society’s views of freedom, existence and identity.
About the Artist:
Born in Northern Ireland in 1986, and currently living in Belfast, Helena Hamilton works through an installation and performance art practice. Her career is unfolding and continues to build further momentum: having had numerous successful exhibitions throughout Ireland; London; Italy; Berlin; and New York. A permanent installation of hers is situated at the Black Box (Belfast, N. Ireland) commissioned by the British Council and the Black Box.