Expression In Art:
Bryan Lewis Saunders
“To make art, you don’t need to be insane or mysterious. You need to take the time to figure out what is important to you, what bothers you, and explore that. I would just recommend people care."
- Bryan Lewis Saunders
Performance art is a form of visual art that involves the use of the artist's body and often features live actions or gestures as its medium. Unlike traditional forms of visual art, performance art is typically ephemeral and is experienced by the audience in real-time. For years, it has baffled its viewers. Some say it is genius, others say it's a waste of time and money.
In 1995 Bryan Lewis Saunders decided to make a self-portrait every day for the rest of his life. At first glance, the idea of a daily self-portrait might seem mundane. However, Saunders has managed to inject emotion or intensity into every piece.
Saunders' self-portraits are a tapestry of emotions, ranging from euphoria to despair, from tranquillity to chaos. The daily ritual not only captures the artist's external transformations but also mirrors the intricate kaleidoscope of thoughts and feelings that define the human experience.
One of the most interesting aspects of Saunders' daily self-portraits is his pointed objection to adhering to a single artistic style. His portfolio is a visual mosaic, a testament to the diverse range of emotions he encounters. On some days, his creations might be vivid and exuberant, reflecting moments of joy or inspiration. On others, they might be sombre and introspective, capturing the dark spaces of his inner psyche.
One of Saunders' most notable projects is the "Under-the-Influence" series, where he created a self-portrait every day while under the influence of various drugs and intoxicants. This ambitious and risky endeavour was an exploration of the impact of drugs on his artistic perception and expression.
Saunders' art is not limited to personal experimentation; he has also collaborated with other artists and participated in group exhibitions. In addition to his artistic pursuits, Saunders has shared his insights into creativity and the human mind through lectures and interviews. He has spoken about the cross over between art and our mental health, shedding light on the therapeutic aspects of artistic expression and the ways in which it can serve as a means of self-discovery and healing.
Saunders' project has contributed to discussions about the nature of artistic practice in the contemporary art world. It challenges traditional notions of how artists engage with their craft and invites others to consider the role of daily routine in the creative process.
