Christopher McKenney is a conceptual artist from Pennsylvania specializing in horror surrealist photography.
As you can see in these images masks and masking of peoples faces are used highly in his work thus linking more to my work with horror and masks. Chris' work was shown to me by a fellow classmate during a group crit, I am extremely grateful to them for showing me this artist as he has had a big impact on the way I look at my own work.
Christophers work plays with alot of symbolism and masks play a major part in this. There are a multitude of different masks, ranging from the traditional to as seen below Mickey Mouse, a friendly childhood character, which in this context with the jumpsuits really is creepy and really throws you off how you now view the character. It leaves you with many questions.
I found this image particularly interesting as I myself am using a rabbit mask in my photography. Rabbit is interpreted in different ways in different cultures. In China, it is one of the astrological animals and linked too good fortune and the moon. People born under Rabbits sign are believed to be artistic and sensitive. The Rabbit is also linked with the goddess Hecate. In some Native American traditions Rabbit is known as the Fear Caller, due to it projecting its fear of those wishing to eat it, and thereby attracting the predators it fears. In current culture the rabbits foot is considered to be lucky.
http://www.shamanicjourney.com/rabbit-power-animal-symbol-of-creativity-intution-paradox-and-fear
https://christopher-mckenney.format.com/untitled-text-page
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