Ron Jackson's Man the Creator

March 14 - April 26, 2003

The images in Ron Jackson's exhibit Man the Creator politicized religion and the condition of mankind. Featuring icons, symbols, costumes, sets and themes, his works pushed the audience to challenge their own beliefs.

The images of Ron Jackson are simultaneously provocative and humorous. A native of Oklahoma, his religious upbrining has provided him with the common aspects of Christian faith that have driven him to challenge his own beliefs and therefore the viewers. His images politicized the dondition of mankind due to the religious moral simposed upon society. Jackson uses icons, symbols, costumes, sets and themes, to recreate stories that push the audience to challenge their own beliefs. Every element within these images, from the symbols to the color scheme, has meaning and is used to evoke questions and feelings that are often uncomfrotable but that he believes to be necessary. By striving to make his audience reflect on what has been imposed on us, he has given us the opportunity to open our minds to what other truths may exist. In order to make his images more powerful he adds the element of installation and viewer participation. They are asked to not only study the piece, but to openly engage and interact with the fantasy he is creating.

As an artist and a philosopher, Jackson feels he has the responsibility to question, reflect, and comment on the impace of man's religious practices. He focuses on the icons and stores in all religions, not singling out one sect, exploring and studying their historical roots both oral and written. Jackson's satirical approach sometimes brings out a bit of humor to his work, but also stresses the importance of how easily interpreted and manipulated religions can be.