A Dimly Lit Path

Artist Statement:

“A Dimly Lit Path” is inspired by the multi-cultural myths that make up humanity’s narrative tapestry. Throughout history, these stories have functioned as frames of reference for both micro and macro-level narratives. The stories upon which a society places value inform that society’s sense of morality, values, and identity. These stories suggest, but not dictate, the behavior and values of individuals within larger social groups as they face struggle and success. The details which make up our day to day lives may fluctuate, but the core essence of the narratives that have made up the cultural fabric of civilizations appear again and again.

The idea of a “Monomyth,” or a cohesive narrative that underlies the overall human experience, is one of Joseph Campbell’s most compelling theories. Campbell was an American writer and professor of literature who worked in comparative mythology and religion. He is best known for his concept of the “hero’s journey,” a path that takes an individual through significant experiences of separation, descent, tribulation, and a return. It is a comprehensive metaphor for the profound inner journey of transformation that heroes of every time and place appear to share. Due to the prevalence of narratives as cultural tools and social cornerstones, from the ancient Mediterranean to Mesoamerica, it is reasonable to think that all individuals in large social groups are imbued with the subtextual idea that they themselves are the “heroes” of their respective narratives.

In this exhibition, Germán Rojas reframes and recycles imagery from the global canon of mythology to explore the idea of the monomyth as it relates to our contemporary society. Portrayed are different heroes, monsters, elemental forces, and pitfalls, representing the stages that must be faced in every individual’s journey. Heavily symbolic, the surreal images presented in this exhibition represent the struggles, real and imaginary, that exist within and outside of ourselves as an inherent part of the ever-shifting human experience. The pieces also allude to the compartmentalization of different parts of our narratives, opening space for discussion about the thin lines separating our public and private lives. Apart from reminding the viewer of their role as the hero of their own story, this body of work should also lead to a heightened awareness of belonging to a much larger, never-ending story which is always in flux. The viewer should feel comfort in the knowledge that, as a collective humanity, we must all face similar struggles, defeats, and victories. Our lives follow the dimly lit paths that weave the fabric of humanity’s history through the emptiness of time and space.