CONFUSED

The Dissolution of Form and Identity

In Arjan Spannenburg’s 2017 black-and-white trilogy, "CONFUSED" marks the peak of psychological abstraction. This work delves into the intricate emotional terrain of a concealed identity at its most volatile, where the conviction of inner longing clashes with the profound disorientation of emerging into the light.

A Dialogue of Movement and Shadow

While the previous works in the series maintain a dialogue between the sharp and the ethereal, "CONFUSED" pushes the boundaries of the medium. Through extended long shutter speeds and experimental lighting, Spannenburg captures the precise moment where the physical form begins to dissolve.

• The Blur of Disorientation: In this piece, the contours of the model are intentionally softened until they nearly vanish. This lack of definition serves as a visual metaphor for a state of mental flux, a period of transition where the old, hidden self is fading, but the new, authentic self has not yet fully crystallised.
• Light as a Catalyst: The model’s physical presence seems to evaporate into the light, suggesting a state of sensory and psychological overload. It is a portrait of the "noise" that exists within the human psyche during moments of profound change.
• The Fragility of the Self: By stripping away the clarity of the features, Spannenburg emphasises the vulnerability of the individual. The work invites curators and collectors to look beyond the physical and engage with the raw, emotional residue of the subject's struggle.

A Universal State

"CONFUSED" is, for those interested in contemporary fine art, an artwork that explores the intersection of the body and the mind. It moves beyond the specific narrative of its origin to address a universal human experience: the discomfort and disorientation that inevitably accompany true personal growth.