Alexander Aitken is a Ceramic Sculptor and Draftsperson. Their creative process is a fusion of fantastical automatic drawing and sculpting techniques, guiding viewers on a journey to unearth, subvert, and dismantle conventional subjects. At the heart of their work lies the concept of encounter, viewed through a lens of the meta-modern and a belief in negative capability. Their practice is tactile and haptic, with themes that traverse unpredictably across the spectrum, whether situated in an apparent present, a discovered history, or a speculative future.
Aitken's work is anchored in the remix of observation and conversation, resulting in a shuffled re-amplification of the world around us, intentionally slipping into a shadow landscape. Concerned with the subtle, lost or unnoticed narratives and emotions of our environment and society, their creations aim to serve as eccentric nodes, prompting audiences to question and heighten awareness of the unnoticed fundamentals of their local situations.
Imagery explores a spectrum of themes, from primal forces like sex and violence to the complexities of religion, power dynamics, and love. Scenes oscillate between turmoil and romance, delineating shifting hierarchies amidst backdrops of blood, passion, and mysticism. Amidst the grit of labor and societal expectations, pleasure and pain entwine in a dark fantastical kaleidoscope of human experience.
Yet within this chaotic tableau, hints of benevolence and misguided intentions emerge, juxtaposed against moments of inertia and apathy.
While the collection may lack a cohesive narrative, it invites viewers to embark on a journey of gradual revelation, where each character assumes fluid symbolism and an evolving presence, their roles ever-shifting against the backdrop of the mosaic's intricate design.