Nathan Manuel: Subject

Washington, DC artist, Nathan Manuel, continues my recent project by writing about "subject." As usual, I extend an invitation to all local artists who would like to participate in this effort. Just email me!

Two Head - Greenfade
graphite, and spray paint on paper mounted on panel
12" x 12"
2005

Nathan Manuel: Subject

My own subjugation is frequently the subject of my artwork. I am not talking about the noun, noun phrase, or pronoun in a sentence or clause that denotes the doer of the action or what is described by the predicate. I am much more interested in the word subject when it is defined as someone that is placed under authority or control; one who lives in the territory of; enjoys the protection of; and owes allegiance to a sovereign power. I have found that I am subject to many things in life; recently my devotion has been focused on the imagery of sheep. This iconic creature is commonly referred to as both a faithful subject and King to the faithful. It is a perfect character for my semi-biographical narratives. I use these sheep to describe my story, one of weaknesses - and strengths, showing everyone that I am perfectly flawed but full of love. I also use the sheep metaphor to describe how others watch me as I continue on the path that has been set before me. Subjects rarely choose their path in life; for me this means I continue to discover the stories of my sheep. How is it that I am a subject to a subject? I have not come to that answer yet, but I realize these sheep are currently my guide. They continue to show me that the life of an artist can be led and remind me that I am a subject too.

One Yoke - Greenyellow
graphite, and spray paint on paper mounted on panel
8" x 10"
2005

Previous Posts:

Charles Neenan: Tradition
Kelly Towles: Color
Ryan Mulligan: Originality
Matt Hollis: Confinement
Dean Fueroghne: Originality
James W. Bailey: Obligation
J. Coleman: Depiction
Andy Moon Wilson: Decision
Molly Springfield: Language
Bryan Whitson: Scene
Elyse Harrison: Motivation
Jiha Moon Wilson: Influence
Alexandra Silverthorne: Derivative
Jose Ruiz: Contemporary
Kathleen Shafer: Focus
Jennifer McMackon: Connection
Gregg Chadwick: Responsibility
Warren Craghead: Material
Angela Kleis: Purpose
Peter Reginato: Order
Anna L. Conti: Community
Wayne Schoenfeld: Content
Elizabeth Morisette: Naive
Tim Tate: Craft
Jesse Cohen: Hidden
Greg Ferrand: Experience
Joseph Barbaccia: Commitment
Jamie Wimberly: Burden
Christine Tillman: Discovery
Candy Keegan: Personality
Allison B. Miner: Introspection
Jennifer Miller: Fresh
Rosetta DeBerardinis: Fluid
Marsha Stein: Pride
Tara Krause: Primal
Andrew Krieger: Imagination
Trish Tillman: Technology
James Leonard: Conscience
Rachael Baldanza: Fun