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IMPERISHABLE
"A bold reclamation of the 'universal burden' that transcends heritage, capturing the indestructible resilience of the human spirit in a single, timeless silhouette."
The Narrative
Resilience Beyond the Eurocentric Lens
As the titular work of the series, IMPERISHABLE is a profound visual translation of the Dutch proverb, "Iedereen draagt zijn eigen kruis." In this piece, Spannenburg features a brown-skinned male subject bearing a symbol of immense historical and spiritual weight.
This work challenges the historical biases of Western iconography by reclaiming the "cross" as a universal human symbol. It embodies Spannenburg’s core philosophy: "You don't have to believe in God, or Jesus Christ, to still carry your own cross." By choosing a person of color to carry this burden, the artist emphasizes that the weight of existence is a human constant that transcends heritage and creed.
The title refers to the indestructible nature of the human spirit. While the world around us becomes increasingly secular, the fundamental experience of endurance remains "imperishable." For the collector, this work offers a bridge between the atmospheric depth of 17th-century tradition and 21st-century inclusivity.
Visual Analysis
This high-contrast fine art photograph features a side profile of a lean, muscular male figure from the waist up, set against a void of deep black. The subject is depicted in a moment of physical exertion, bearing a large, heavy wooden cross constructed from two thick, raw timber beams. His body is angled forward under the weight, with hands gripping the wood, highlighting the detailed texture of his skin and the grain of the timber under sharp, directional studio lighting. The figure is draped in a simple, textured white loincloth, creating a stark visual contrast between the bright fabric, the warm tones of the wood, and the surrounding shadows.
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Year
2022
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