Clubber Spotlight: Johel Pereira
Miami-based Dazed Club member Johel Pereira, a graphic designer and multi-disciplinary artist, talks us through his latest project "Synthetic Symmetry" – a mixed media project combining textile, collage, and print!
"In my artistic journey, I've been driven by a deep interest in what makes us all human. I'm influenced by the idea that despite our differences in race and gender, there's something universally connecting us. My art aims to break down the barriers that separate us and explore the shared experiences that tie us together. This series, "Synthetic Symmetry," is a way for me to express this belief in a visual form.
The 10 pieces in this collection are all made on cotton fabric. I intentionally took apart facial features to make them a bit tricky to recognize. The goal is to make people think beyond what we see on the surface. I want viewers to consider that our common humanity is more important than the things that make us look different. "Synthetic Symmetry" isn't just about faces; it's about capturing the spirit that we all share.
I used a technique called cyanotype for these pieces. It involves using light-sensitive chemicals on The Row cotton fabric, giving the artwork a cool blue color. I chose this method because it adds a historical touch and a dreamy quality to the work. The intentional blurriness in the deconstruction process is like a symbol for how flexible our identities can be, emphasizing the things we all have in common. Each piece is a play of light and shadow, representing the complex connections that make up our shared existence. With "Synthetic Symmetry," I hope to encourage viewers to question stereotypes, appreciate our shared humanity, and start a conversation about what unites us all."
Johel
Andres
Robertha
Remi
Val
Isabella
Manuela
Cydnie
Robertha
Rishi