Geo, Ivan Fortushniak

“Be thin and flawless. Be muscular and unafraid. Succeed in classes and never fail.” We as a society are filling our thoughts with certain ideas of perfectionism and what is acceptable that we may have forgotten what the Preamble to the United States Constitution has promised us, the security of the Blessings of our Liberty, our right to be an individual. How does one feel comfortable in their own skin if everyone and everything around them is telling them otherwise? Ivan Fortushniak’s artwork titled Geo spoke to me as the visual interpretation of the ambient normalities of society on individuals. The artist uses collage material from historical art texts to place on a background. He specifically chooses figures with a fearful expression to represent how we can be influenced by the “superficiality of pop culture,” as Ivan himself said at a seminar where he explained his reason for being an artist. To me, his purpose was fulfilled. When I first saw the piece I could easily relate. The figure looked as if he was running away, trying to escape his insecurity, trying to escape himself and everyone around him. Looking closely, I noticed many things about this collage. One, his hands are tied behind his back, which could possibly indicate that he has no control over what he does or who he is. We all have authority in our life and they heavily influence our character. Essentially, we all have someone evaluating our actions and we want them to be pleased with us and what we do. Though depending on your authority, it could lead to rejoicing or it could lead to regret. There are a series of lines and blots which to me may symbolize his thoughts that surround him, reminding him of mistakes and flaws. Focusing heavily on these thoughts can make you want to hide or run away, which seems to be what he is doing. The title itself, Geo, is a prefix from Greek that means “the earth.” This could mean many different things about the piece. One, it could be what he is running from. He’s running from reality and all that it comes with. Two, it could represent that he is trying to find his purpose on earth, but first he must find himself. When I first saw this piece of art, I had an instant connection. The figure is scared and imperfect, trying to find his place here on earth. He looks like a lost identity and in many ways I will question myself. Especially as a teenager, I tend to feel insecure and lost. No matter the age, race, or welfare, Ivan Fortushniak’s artwork can relate to every human being.