Artist Quote by Chris Mars
“Sometimes I will portray the more normal-looking people as the monsters and then the more distorted - "uniquely formed" is the word I like to use, rather than monstrous - as the sympathetic characters in the painting. It's interesting because some people will get it right away, but a common reaction is to be a little off-put by it. And that is the whole idea. If it grabs somebody in a negative way, that's my intention.”
About This Quote
Source Artist Statement: Exhibition “Monsters Among Us”, 2019
The painter flips conventional beauty norms, making ordinary people appear monstrous and distorted figures sympathetic, aiming to provoke discomfort and challenge perception.
In simple terms: He shows normal people as monsters and odd ones as sympathetic to provoke reaction.
Key Takeaway
Challenge visual expectations to reveal hidden biases.
Themes
art
perception
identity
subversion
Mood
provocative
thought‑provoking
Type
conceptual
critical
When to use this quote
- gallery viewers
- art students
- online audiences
- curators
Key Concepts
visual irony
psychological impact
Questions to Reflect On
- What assumptions about normalcy are you questioning?
- How does discomfort serve your artistic goal?
A Different Perspective
Some may find the work offensive or confusing.
