Planet of the Apps
(2013)
Oil on
canvas 36” x 36”
In allusion to the story
of Adam and Eve and the serpent in the Garden of Eden, Planet of the Apps is a satirical piece that comments on the strong
influence and power of modern technology in human relationships. This piece
also makes a reference to a famous 1968 classic film Planet of the Apes. Smart Ape characters Zira and Cornelius can be
seen hiding behind the bushes right in between Adam and Eve.
Planet of the Apps (detail)
Planet of the Apps
also stands in as a painting inspired after the sixth Major Arcana of the Tarot
“The Lovers”, which in many versions has depicted similar scenes of Adam and
Eve in the Garden of Eden. In this particular version, the Adam and Eve ignore
each other and pay more attention to their smart phones. Adam’s parts are
covered by a shopping plastic bag while Eve’s is covered with the traditional
leaf device.
Planet of the Apps (detail)
They are framed by a large circular window and on the outer
corners, three chimps and the prehistoric ancestor of all mammals,
Protungulatum donnae, the link between humans and beasts. The earliest known
mammal is seen reaching out for the latest known technological “App” with an
acorn symbol on it, suggesting the driving force that divides humanity from the
rest of living mammals in the planet.
Planet of the Apps
(detail)
The three apes cover their eyes, mouth
and ears, quoting the Japanese proverbial principle: “See no evil, hear no
evil, speak no evil”. Darwinian Evolution plays a small but no less part in
this narrative. Within the rounded frame behind Eve and on the far right a
Tyrannosaurus Rex moves out of the scene as a falling asteroid in the sky is
about to collide. Close by, a broken billboard reads “I Consumer therefore I
am”. On the far left behind Adam, the descendant of the dinosaur, a Chicken
with chicks walks down a road. Nearby another damaged billboard reads “Slave,
Obey your Master” citing Colossians 3-22.
Right next to the ad, a circle of apes worships a tall dark obelisk.
This is another pop culture reference from Stanley Kubrick’s classic film 2001: A Space Odyssey. Three crosses on
a small hill behind require a closer look in order to discover the logos of
well known multinational internet corporations.
Planet of the Apps
(detail)
Above, sitting over a tree branch a little cupid makes a gesture of
silence to a surprised serpent, while he listens to music in his I-Pod. This
painting reflects on how vitally important and central technology has become in
our social lives, not only changing the way we relate to each other but the way
we relate to history, culture and religion as well.
Planet of the Apps
(detail)
This painiting will be on display along with other 19 pieces on my upcoming exhibition. "Devocionales: Neo-colonial retablos from an archetypal perspective" at the Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum, from September 13th thru December 1st 2013. For more information visit www.mesaartscenter.com.. To see more of my work you may also visit Jane Sauer Gallery in Santa Fe, NM.
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