Man With Groceries in Space. Postcard published by Art Unlimited, Amsterdam
This postcard presents a visually arresting artwork that juxtaposes the
mundane with the cosmic, creating a surreal and thought-provoking scene.
The image features a middle-aged man walking against a backdrop not of a
typical earthly landscape, but the vast, dark expanse of space speckled
with stars, glowing planets, and swirling galaxies.
The man,
dressed in an earth-toned overcoat, scarf, and trousers, appears weary
yet resolute. His attire suggests it might be cold, evoking a sense of
everyday struggle against life's elements. He carries grocery bags
filled with goods, a mundane activity that contrasts sharply with the
extraordinary setting. The contents of the bags are slightly visible; we
can discern the outlines of what could be fruits and vegetables,
further emphasizing the normalcy of his errand.
Above and around
him float various celestial bodies. A large planet with blue and green
hues similar to Earth looms in the upper left, suggesting a parallel or
an alternate understanding of worldliness. Smaller planets and distant
stars scattered across the field add depth and complexity to the scene.
The use of vibrant colors for the galaxy elements draws a stark contrast
to the subdued colors of the man’s attire and the dark space
background, highlighting the surreal blend of the cosmic and the
commonplace.
This compelling composition may prompt viewers to
reflect on the vastness of the universe in relation to the trivialities
of daily life, suggesting a theme of existential contemplation. The
artwork serves as a reminder of the broader context in which human lives
unfold, perhaps urging a broader perspective on individual concerns and
activities.
For well over a quarter of a century, the Dutch photographer and painter Teun Hocks has been making his highly characteristic pictures: large-scale, single-figure studies of a middle-aged man caught in variously absurd circumstances. Hocks plays this character himself, and the finished works seem to sit somewhere between newspaper cartoons and history painting. Here is an interview with the artist:
Teun, let me ask you about this character that you portray in your pictures. He’s nervous, somewhat self-obsessed, and his attention is always in slightly the wrong place. Is that you? No, I’m quite different than that. Of course he comes partly from me, but these are not self-portraits at all, and I’m glad about that because I hope that I’m smarter than he is.
But I’m not even sure that he’s always the same person. Sometimes he’s more afraid, and sometimes he’s more self-assured. Sometimes he’s too sure of himself, such as when he thinks he can shoot stars down. That’s one of my favorites. That picture-frame photograph strikes me as particularly apt because in practical terms, you are actually in your pictures, aren’t you?
Yes. There’s a big backdrop that I paint or build, or whatever’s needed, and I stand in the middle of that. Then I take a picture of myself in black and white and enlarge it. I do it myself in the darkroom with a little bit of help. Then I tone the picture sepia. And later I add oil paint. I color everything, but it’s transparent, so that you can see the picture underneath.
Published by Art Unlimited, Amsterdam.
Note: There is a thin Red Line around the edge of this image which is NOT printed on the actual card. It is just there to set the card off from the starry background.
