21
Some Thoughts
Ten's Artwork at times may contain material considered offensive by some individuals.
Since its contents deal with the mystery of gender interaction which leads to propagation, and to the continuity of life, it touches on the subjects of sex and erotics.
Some individuals, unfortunately, automatically link in their minds sexual organs and their interaction with pornography, and many of those think that my work crosses the line. Those people are unaware that the greatest flower paintings depict sexual organs. The fact is that admired artists such as Rachel Ruysch, Jan van Huysum, and of course Georgia O'Keefe painted almost exclusively sex organs.
Even in our supposedly enlightened twentieth century many individuals
are in denial. Consider that even one of the most admired artists of
our time, Georgia O'Keefe, vociferously denied that her work had
anything to do with sex. Most likely, even she confused sex with
prurient interest and did not see it as the amazing universal process
that leads to continuity of life.
So much for sexual taboo's and deeply ingrained psychic avoidance
of the subject.
The intent of pornography is to activate hormonal processes
leading to arousal. There is much more to my work than the
superficiality of erotics. I am more interested in stimulating the
brain and arousing the emotions of awe and amazement. I attempt
to create an awareness of the underlying mysteries of existence.
I have always been interested in the the scientific knowledge
delving into the miracles of the universe, and particularly
those of the thin biospheric film that covers our planet. My work
is essentially phenomenological. It does not represent reality as we
see it, but by showing alternatives it attemps to penetrate the
wonders of existence.
I hope this clears up some of the misunderstandings about my artwork. Bear in mind that I am attempting to convey my ideas through visual channels and not through poetry or literature.
TEN'S ARTWORK IN HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE