As I approach the conclusion of this project, I am filled with a whirlwind of emotions and experiences. I have encountered uncertainty, creative blocks, illness, and the constant struggle to achieve my artistic ambitions with the constraints of time and resources. I reflect on the hurdles I overcame, the moments of creative doldrums, and the exhilaration of breakthroughs and moments of inspiration. Contemplating the finished artwork, I feel an immense sense of achievement and fulfilment, knowing that every squiggle, print, and aspect of my portfolio was infused with my passion and dedication.

 

As the final pieces of my installation came together, an epiphany washed over me, and the title "The Power of Three" emerged. This realisation solidified my identity as an artist, instilling a profound sense of accomplishment and pride in my work. With each stroke of creativity, I continue to evolve into what I can now confidently call a 'proper' artist, driven by the fusion of my skills, passion, and unique vision.

At the onset of our Final Major Projects, I grappled with the challenge of selecting a concept that truly resonated with my artistic vision and goals. The abundance of possibilities presented by the concept of Fin De Siècle highlighted the importance of seeking advice and exploring a multitude of potential options. Engaging in extensive research, I delved into various subjects and experimented with diverse ideas. This exploration process proved invaluable, granting me valuable insights and bringing me closer to the concept of subconscious biases.

 

Drawing inspiration from the works of artists such as Lee Wagstaff (Cole, 2021), Mark Rothko (Cohen, 2019), and Michael McIntyre (McIntyre, 2020), and the Harvard Implicit test, I crafted an installation piece that aimed to shed light on the concept of our subconscious biases. Moreover, I delved into the life and work of Rosie Jones (Jones, 2018), a well-known comedian with Cerebral Palsy. Rosie's ability to overcome her disability and thrive in her career empowers me, reinforcing the passion behind my project, which explores the interplay between our subconscious and conscious states of mind. It is a reflection of my personal experiences and a testament to the potential of art as a medium for empowerment and understanding.

 

Refining the concept of judgment and seeking inspiration from contextual artists, my focus shifted towards the exploration of subconscious judgments and biases. It became clear that this would be the core theme of my project, as it drew from my own life experiences and possessed the potential to establish a meaningful connection and dialogue with the audience. Inspired by Gillian Wearing's (Wearing, 2023) "Signs that say what you want them to Say and not signs that Say what someone else wants you to Say (1992-1993)," I conducted experimental primary research to gauge our course leader's subconscious expectations regarding the answers provided by myself and my peers.

 

Studying artists who tackled disabilities, political statements, feminism, and racism, I gained valuable insights into conveying messages within the artwork that may not explicitly explain everything to the audience. Even though some of these artists' works did not directly align with my concept, their influence enriched my understanding of storytelling and effective messaging.

 

In my exploration of subconscious biases and hidden disabilities, I delved into the sunflower lanyard scheme that gained significant popularity and recognition during the COVID-19 pandemic. This symbol, used during the reopening of the country, not only helped ease my anxieties about re-entering society but also served as a means to communicate the reasons behind any differences in my behaviour or pace. I appreciated the fact that the lanyard did not evoke pity or the need for assistance but rather encouraged understanding and empathy. It disrupted people's subconscious biases or judgments towards individuals with hidden disabilities and challenged the Pygmalion Effect (The Pygmalion effect, no date), which manifests as individuals fulfilling the expectations placed upon them.

 

Subconscious bias refers to the automatic and unintentional attitudes or beliefs that individuals hold towards certain groups of people, often based on stereotypes. These biases can result in discriminatory behaviour, even when individuals do not consciously intend to discriminate. Such biases can be particularly harmful in the workplace, leading to unfair hiring practices, wage disparities, and limited opportunities for certain groups. Additionally, they can influence decision-making in areas such as education, healthcare, and law (Kaphar, no date).

 

Addressing subconscious bias requires individuals to acknowledge their own biases and actively work towards challenging them. This involves seeking diverse perspectives, questioning assumptions, and being open to feedback from those who may have been impacted by biased behaviour. It is important to recognise that nobody is completely free of biases, as they often stem from personal experiences. Nevertheless, by committing to creating a more equitable society and ensuring equal access to opportunities and resources, we can strive to eliminate the negative impact of subconscious biases.