Because You're Mine, 2011

Because You're Mine: George Terry
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George Terry combines sculpture, video and performance to bring together an assortment of works that reflect the artist’s role as communicator and manipulator of visual symbols. In the photograph, Because You’re Mine (pictured), loosely based on a medieval icon painting, Terry is partially covered with his personal property. The figure maintains composure while struggling to support the physical weight of his many possessions. For Terry, the oppressiveness of these collective inanimate objects parallels the burden of the internal baggage faced by many. The Contest, a large-scale sculpture created specifically for the UMMA exhibition, consists of two horse heads combined with stylized human legs and classical arches. Terry investigates the mythological associations derived from depictions of the horse throughout history. “The horse is a symbol of power, mystery, and our animalistic drives” and “the wealth of historical/classical depictions of the creature are undoubtedly inspired out of a reverence for its abilities, power and beauty,” states Terry. The juxtaposition of sculptural elements reflects his interest in history, architecture and symbolism. The exhibit also features a video depicting the artist engaging in impulsive and unrehearsed movement and sound. A mechanical element randomly disrupts the video signal, further fragmenting the artist’s actions.

George Terry received his BFA from Virginia Commonwealth University and MFA from the Rhode Island School of Design. He lives and works in Brooklyn, NY.