‘Visceral: Mental Mirrors’ intimately explored Mutuku’s bi-polar disorder through mirrors, dots and colour. The exhibition, held in 2015 at Kuona Trust, was Mutuku’s first solo show. The work included a series of mirrors covered with laser cut red vinyl revealing configurations of dots exposing the mirror’s surface; a video installation displaying alternating arrangements of dots moving to the sound of a didgeridoo; a diptych of vertical mirrors; and a spherical mirror, or three dimensional dot, on a plinth. The work in this series delved into self-reflection, experimentation and emotions which have come to characterise the artist’s work and his practice.
Mutuku’s use of dots resemble marks – something left on us, which in one way or another determines certain moods and emotions. Depending on the configuration of these marks, at a given time or in a certain space, they impact on our behaviour, causing shifts in mood that affect one’s emotions. Using these dots Mutuku creates a visual vocabulary. Each work reveals a different arrangement of dots (or marks), which at first appear arbitrary or disordered. Though the observer soon grasps the geometric blueprint upon which they are organised. Once this element of order is understood you notice a looming to and retreat from the over-all constellation of dots – or what could be understood as a state of equilibrium, a time in which all is well.
As we move between these different configurations – that resemble various emotional states – we try to create some sense of control, or order, in the hope of achieving balance in our life (be it physical, cognitive, emotional or mental). These states, expressed through Mutuku’s work, expose the mood episodes experienced with bi-polar disorder, which are more varied than simply feeling ‘up’ or ‘down’ – as explained by Mutuku who says “Bi-polar makes you think there are two ends, or extremes to each situation, but there is also a multitude of extremes that deserve attention.”
Click here for Video Documentary Link.
Click here for GBS News' Link.
Click here for Business Daily article.
Mutuku’s use of dots resemble marks – something left on us, which in one way or another determines certain moods and emotions. Depending on the configuration of these marks, at a given time or in a certain space, they impact on our behaviour, causing shifts in mood that affect one’s emotions. Using these dots Mutuku creates a visual vocabulary. Each work reveals a different arrangement of dots (or marks), which at first appear arbitrary or disordered. Though the observer soon grasps the geometric blueprint upon which they are organised. Once this element of order is understood you notice a looming to and retreat from the over-all constellation of dots – or what could be understood as a state of equilibrium, a time in which all is well.
As we move between these different configurations – that resemble various emotional states – we try to create some sense of control, or order, in the hope of achieving balance in our life (be it physical, cognitive, emotional or mental). These states, expressed through Mutuku’s work, expose the mood episodes experienced with bi-polar disorder, which are more varied than simply feeling ‘up’ or ‘down’ – as explained by Mutuku who says “Bi-polar makes you think there are two ends, or extremes to each situation, but there is also a multitude of extremes that deserve attention.”
Click here for Video Documentary Link.
Click here for GBS News' Link.
Click here for Business Daily article.