The Cremaster Cycle (1994 – 2002) by Matthew Barney

The Cremaster Cycle - Matthew Barney - 1994 - 2002

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Artwork Information

TitleThe Cremaster Cycle
ArtistMatthew Barney
Date1994 - 2002
Art MovementContemporary

About The Cremaster Cycle

“The Cremaster Cycle” is an evocative series of artworks by Matthew Barney, an American artist renowned for his work that integrates video, installation, and performance. Created between 1994 and 2002, this opus represents a significant contribution to the Contemporary art movement. The artwork, which is characterized by its video genre, enlists a complex and cryptic symbology that spans five feature-length films. Each component of the cycle is imbued with layered references that explore systems of creation and procreation, hence the title’s allusion to the cremaster muscle, which controls testicular contractions in response to external stimuli.

The artwork presented here appears to be a still from one of the films or perhaps a photographic representation related to “The Cremaster Cycle”. It shows an individual adorned with a striking red hairpiece and makeup, grasping a comb as though amid personal grooming or transformation. The subject’s expression is neutral, their gaze slightly averted from the viewer, evoking a sense of introspection. The garb is pale and minimalistic, focusing attention on the face and the act of combing. The bold coloring of the hairpiece and the carefully delineated makeup suggest ritualistic or performative elements, in line with Barney’s oeuvre that often delves into themes of identity, transformation, and corporeality. The setting is stark and devoid of detailed context, which further amplifies the individual’s presence, inviting viewers to ponder the narrative and symbolic implications of the scene.

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