Emotional Fossil Records
Emotion Fossil Records, engages with the contemporary sublime through three overwhelming, large-scale oil paintings that form a series of exits from a cave, inviting the viewer to contemplate. These works explore the fleeting nature of human presence within these vast, enduring environments. Coutts inscribes ironic, narrative text into textured rock forms, leaving personal yet ambiguous traces. Each exit acts as a portal that invites the viewer to navigate between permanence and ephemerality, presence and absence. The inscriptions embody raw emotion, while their placement into timeless geological forms transforms them into "fossils", traces preserved within rock, recorded in paint.
Each cave painting embodies a distinct "exit," each weaving its own unique narrative that invites exploration and contemplation. One particular painting suggests an intimate yet haunted voice, resonating with the viewer as it evokes a deep and lingering consciousness of the inanimate rock itself. This artwork captures the fragility of memory, beckoning us to ponder the ephemeral nature of existence and the stories that linger long after they are forgotten. Its subtle nuances remind us of the weight of what once was, urging us to consider how memories shape our understanding of the past.
In contrast, another painting bursts forth with playful inscriptions, notably featuring the cheeky phrase "Wi-fi is terrible." This clever juxtaposition collapses the seemingly timeless essence of the cave art into the contemporary, establishing a bridge between the sublime and the mundane aspects of our present lives. It invites the viewer to reflect on how modern distractions and societal quirks intertwine with ancient expressions of creativity, creating a dialogue that spans generations. This piece humorously grounds the ethereal beauty of cave art in the everyday struggles of today's digital age.
The final artwork presents a more ambiguous and restrained narrative. It reflects the vastness of nature itself, capturing its grandeur and mystery rather than focusing on themes of memory or voice. This piece draws the observer into a contemplative space, prompting an appreciation for the sheer scale and complexity of the natural world. Rather than speaking directly to human experience, it serves as a reminder of our place within the broader tapestry of existence, fostering humility and wonder. Together, these three cave paintings offer a multifaceted exploration of art to connect with time, memory, and the natural world.