MATT SIWERSKI

Buck Fever embodies my exploration of masculinities and in addition my own role as a contemporary artist. The haphazard display of digital structution meeting the flow of stitched thread is an expression of complexity and anxiety the journey has evoked.
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The artwork's origin comes from 3d computer designs; the piece was sourced, deconstructed, and then recreated by machine sewing. Establishing a new state of authenticity and reintroducing the artist's mark through gestural free-stitch.
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Buck Fever takes its name from the nervous excitement felt by a young or inexperienced hunter at the first sight of game and in extreme cases, has been known to be fatal. The fragility and delicateness of the materials in this work convey sensitivity to the issue of masculinity. It is opposed by the vulgar, abject spectacle of an animal trophy, and reference to the rite of passage ritual of hunting prey. The translucent presence exposes the absence of the of the trophy's mass to destabilise and put to question this objective masculinity and social hierarchy. This is further noted by the use of tulle; as practical application of translucency but also a metaphor of femininity and alluding to the subject of anima.
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This process of prototyping brings new found dynamism, structure and process to visual communication. It allows the artist to convey ideas about social constructions and artistic rationale into one form. Which share similar divisions to digital media that I believe are somewhat failed states. It is also the idea of a buck that is put forth. A presentation of what is and isn't in this metaphorical study, a forum to discuss these issues and 'redraw' the objective.
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By claiming and objectifying the buck for myself, as artistic centre piece, re-working, drawing, feeling the process unfold. Fabricating, feeling 'Buck Fever' in a new way, I unfold an inner psyche and deeper understanding of what it is to be a young contemporary artist. The age of masculine hunter has come to a fervent paradigm shift as artist.
 
Buck Fever won the Bernina Award at Changing Threads 2012: The National Contemporary Fibre Art Awards held in Nelson, New Zealand.
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