Joseph Randolph

Artist Statement

My paintings explore the boundary between beauty and repulsion, juxtaposing classical subjects and motifs with grotesque, surreal, eschatological, and uncanny romantic imagery. This approach is designed to provoke philosophical reflection and critical discourse, inviting viewers to explore archetypal patterns in relation to their own experiences. By reflecting on this relationship, I hope to help viewers feel less isolated and more connected to the broader currents of history and culture. My inspiration stems from a deep engagement with modern philosophical and literary thought, particularly existential phenomenology, psychoanalysis, and modernist poetry. Additionally, my personal journey through addiction and recovery profoundly informs my artistic vision, allowing me to represent these experiences through archetypal and mythological lenses.

My painting titled 'The Mystery of the Incarnation,' for example, exemplifies this approach. The centerpiece of a triptych on addiction and recovery, the painting depicts the expurgation, rebirth, and absolution that recovery arouses. The amalgamation of human form and natural elements emphasizes this duality—juxtaposing human resilience against the decay wrought by substance dependence. This work also ties into René Girard's theory of mimetic rivalry and scapegoating, suggesting that personal recovery mirrors the communal expulsion of the scapegoat. In this light, the individual’s struggle becomes a microcosm of societal purification and renewal, where expurgation and rebirth are not merely personal but inherently connected to broader cultural rituals and myths.

In mythological and religious contexts, the worm often symbolizes decay, death, and rebirth. The worm's presence in this painting evokes themes of transformation and renewal found in various cultural narratives. In Christian symbolism, for example, worms are often associated with the corruption of the flesh and the transience of earthly life, yet they also signify the potential for spiritual rebirth and redemption. This duality aligns with the journey of the addict, who must confront the decay wrought by addiction to achieve personal renewal and spiritual rebirth.

The brain obstructing the mouth represents the expurgation and spiritual catharsis of the addict's journey. It symbolizes the expulsion of the old self, riddled with the burdens of addiction, and the creation of a new, rejuvenated identity. The flower emerging from the crown signifies this renewal and growth. This transformation is deeply connected to the archetype of the self in mythology and religion, where rebirth and resurrection often follow a period of profound suffering and introspection. The brain and flower together reflect the idea that true recovery involves a rebirth of the self.

Biography

I am a multidisciplinary artist from Cleveland, OH specializing in oil painting, experimental electronic music, and conceptual poetry. My work can be found at https://sites.google.com/view/josephrandolph/.

The Scapegoat_2024_Oil on canvas_30x40 inches
The Idea of the Holy_2024_Oil on canvas_24x30
The Mystery of the Incarnation_Oil on canvas_30x40
The Problem of Pain_Oil on canvas_24x30
The Rival_Oil on canvas_30x40
Sentimental Landscape_Oil on canvas_20x20