CROOKED (Act I)

Act I of XIII: Photographic-based sculptures of distorted bodies represent the grotesque, revelations of shame and the compelling nature of the body. (No AI used) Through fragmented forms of expression and representation, grotesque bodies are used as symbols of shame in CROOKED. Each body is photographed in a theatrical and chiaroscuro environment that explores themes associated with those representations along with abjection. CROOKED was created with several nude models in a studio environment. As part of the environments I create for each model, carnivalesque and stage play significant roles. Those roles were instrumental in f****** destroying and then reconstructing my conceptualisation of Grotesque Shaming. In order to reconstruct it, I had to tear the body apart: Bonding in violence. Longo’s multi-disciplinary practice explores images that react to fragmented, distorted, or altered bodies. A critical component of his current research and practice is the representation of the grotesque and shame. Consequently, he is drawn to photography and digital sculpture, where he can manipulate the real into the unreal. By combining a photographic medium with digital sculpture, a practice-led approach facilitates decision-making on the body - ultimately determining material outcomes.