Obscured Distortion

Avery Roderick's piece is an exploration of self-reflection, storytelling, and connection driven by an exploratory and experimental artistic practice. Embracing unconventional formats and ambitious concepts, they use art to convey the complexity of the human experience and create a space where viewers can find pieces of themselves in their work.

Obscured Distortion considers the intersection of gender dysphoria and sexual assault, examining how these experiences intertwine and amplify each other. The main subject of the work is a wax-cast body segmented into fragmented parts, each embedded with black and white, scratched-out images of their own body. These images are layered over the corresponding body parts, reflecting feelings of disconnection and self-erasure. The outstretched hand contains black-and-white images of pills, rendered to actual size, symbolizing coping mechanisms and the weight of survival.

Blending photography and sculpture, this piece bridges mediums to create a cohesive, multi-dimensional narrative. The use of analog and alternative photographic processes complements the tactile, physical presence of the wax sculpture, inviting viewers to engage with its texture and details. Through this piece, Roderick aims to connect with those that have felt unheard, reflecting the complexities of identity, trauma, and empathy within the broader scope of the human experience.

Text by Alice Farinhas