The administration of belief

The administration of belief. 12/7/19. L:40.5 H:40.5 W:3cm. Collage of bar code paper cut-outs, acrylic paint and gloss paint on wood.

The inspiration behind this artwork comes from bar codes and spirituality. I wanted to combine both of these themes together to create a new interpretation. 

For me bar codes represent the administration of our society, from storing/categorising information about products we buy to the paper work we use to manage people. At times this can seem soulless/machine like although I guess it’s intention is to make things more manageable. Overlaying this I have created a space to enter, referencing religious imagery like entering into a spiritual space/ after life. For me how we shape and manage society is based on ideas and belief in them. 

However I would still like to leave room for interpretation, everyone has their own way of seeing and experiencing, and my view may not be other people’s view. I think it is good that everyone has their own view as we can all learn from each other.

For further information about this artwork or to see others like it please see: https://www.martinharmanart.com/drawings--paintings.html