Labels - 5

by Ken Walker

Title

Labels - 5

Artist

Ken Walker

Medium

Digital Art - Digital Painting

Description

“Label”

Dictionary Definition

noun

1. a small piece of paper, fabric, plastic, or similar material attached to an object and giving information about it.

2. a classifying phrase or name applied to a person or thing, especially one that is inaccurate or restrictive.

Labels are everywhere. Many are important, providing valuable information in order for us to identify what is being labeled, giving us some information that perhaps we would not have readily available. Many of these labels are a necessary warning protecting us from harm. But as is everything in this life, what is often useful and noble can also be twisted into something that is misleading at best or harmful at worst. When we use labels irresponsibly for people, conflict arises. Labels in bold text, colorful logos, and creative wordplay have separated people who might otherwise have found common ground if not for the identification with one label or the next. Unfortunately, labels are insufficient to fully capture the essence of that which is being labeled and while labels are needed when used with reverence and thoughtfulness it is important to be mindful of its intended purpose and its shortcomings so as not to put too much emphasis on the label itself. By nature, labels are restrictive, especially when being used to identify people. In social contexts, labels can have a “self-prophesying” nature when used incorrectly because when used in a manner that shames, intentional or un-intentional, there is little room to be seen outside of the box one’s been put in, therefore there is only the expectation to continue living within the status quo.

Life is not BLACK and WHITE. It is wonderfully complex with subtle shades, expressive nuances that change and expand as the painting of creation is revealed. Life is expansive and so should we be.

Artist Note – “I have left much of this intentionally open to interpretation. This series was meant to encourage the viewer to allow for more thoughtful introspections before adhering to any one label. My original intention behind the idea was more in terms of combating rigid thinking in regards to one’s own thought processes. I’ve gained a greater level of health and freedom once I let go of my own ways of thinking, taking the time to be more mindful, examining the heritage of my own opinions and beliefs. While I do believe that not everything is so simple and “Black and White” I also reject the recent purging of sane thought by re-writing all the labels previously vetted which, in my opinion, ends up with more confusion and insanity."

Uploaded

January 23rd, 2022

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