Wiley Akers
Artist Statement
I want to make images that bite and jar the mind. The seed for these ideas came from a book called ‘ The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. My motivation in creating these images is to raise questions in the viewers mind about how we have been domesticated through beliefs that come from the social-cultural conditioning.
From birth the family impresses on the child a name, what the family believes, and what is acceptable and unacceptable The educational system further influences the child; the adolescent seeks to be accepted by the community by internalizing or rejecting its values. There is a role to play after getting a job. At home many switch on the news and may attend social gatherings where conversations could include the media, the economy, sports or failures, and successes of their peers. Collective goals could be to make as much money as possible. To have nice clothes, fancy car, comfortable home, attractive partner and on and on without one thought of why, what or how of their personal existence.
I do this by using unrelated photographic images from internet sources. I use a projector to integrate two or more images. I use stencils, spray paint with paint and brushes.
Artist Bio
I come from an expressionist viewpoint in my painting. I’m trying to express an idea or emotion about how I feel about the world around me.
I’m a social critic. The work tends to be autobiographical in nature. I’m always asking myself what am trying to do or say. I sometimes use stencils and spray paint which tends to make the work hard-edged. I have exhibited at ASU, WCU, UNCG, Delurk Gallery, Artworks Gallery.
I have taught art at the high and middle school levels. I received a BFA in painting and Masters in Education from UNC Greensboro.
For more information
Contact: wileyakers@yahoo.com