Joel Coleman

The Parasitic Paradox of Innate Reproductive Desire

Oil on canvas, mounted in frame of mild steel fabricated by the artist

20x60 Inches

The innate human desire to reproduce is seemingly detrimental to the habitability of the planet that sustains us. Yet discussions of how to curtail the growth of humanity are often focused on sustainability. Sustainability is possibly the last-ditch attempt of humanity to veil itself from the reality that we have become parasitic to our own planetary host and therefore ourselves. This work encourages uncomfortable discussions about human population, as discussion and critical thinking is likely the only way to ensure humanity’s longevity. If this topic feels prickly, Coleman would offer the following:

"Ideas that cannot be discussed will grow in the confines of silence. Without discourse, these ideas may form an enlightened view you will never hear, or they may fester until turning septic and breach their confines. It is for this reason that choosing to inhabit a space where conversation is truncated is a precarious and dangerous position."

The spine supporting this creative work consists of exploration through the study of philosophy. Joel engages with environmentally focused concepts including theories of the built environment, planetary time and sustainability. This provides the framework for his practice, which evolves these philosophical theories into art through the investigation of existentialism and the human condition.

Complementing the research into environmental philosophy, Coleman delves into the history of aesthetics. This stream of study links the philosophical research to his creative practice through self-analysis and a comparison of the work to create different epochs of art production. This theoretical approach then services the visual manifestations of ideas into Joel's own artworks. Combining these avenues of philosophical research supports his attempts at wrestling with the existential questions raised through the art.

The Northern Beaches of Sydney (Garigal Land) is where Joel Coleman lives, studies and creates.