Andy Harwood
Mesmerism | 2025 | Synthetic polymer on canvas | 122 x 102cm
Sunshine Coast National Art Prize 2025 - Finalist
Image courtesy of the artist
Artist Statement
Mesmerism is an exploration into the mind’s ability to subconsciously adopt an idea. Originating from one’s mind, the repetitive idea becomes a self-induced proposal, which subsequently influences their own feeling and behaviour. Akin to hypnosis, mesmerism has the power to manipulate one’s own bodily state. The work engages the viewers own emotional response through the interruption of foreground and background. This creates the illusion of receding and advancing planes and shifts the central focus between inner and outer space, challenging perception and establishing their own subconscious reaction. The central focal point initially magnetises the viewers’ attention whilst harmonizing the work. The composition utilises the numerology of 9, which suggests the interconnectedness of all things.