Atop a magician’s table (or perhaps a partially opened casket,) and in front of a badly damaged wall, rests the upper body of a reconstructed human figure looking a bit like the tin man from the Wizard of Oz. He is composed of colored strips (broken rainbow pieces), a mechanically built left arm, an oversized face appearing as a mask, and a question mark for an ear. One assumes this is the individual needing a “new self” but as constructed, unlikely to benefit from any form of revitalization.
Using an extended index finger, this blue metallic central humanoid points a black rod toward the formally dressed hemi-figure also atop the table. This character is often presented as a magician in the Bak visual lexicon. He holds a blue rod which impales the backside of a divided and reassembled human head. As the magician addresses the front facial area of the head, perhaps hoping to provide a new mask, it appears likely the brain, and thus the soul, has been removed.
On the right side of this painting, behind the core protagonist, is a line of figures whose detail diminishes with distance making interpretation quite speculative. Farthest out are two men speaking; followed by a man and a woman seemingly cheek to cheek (kissing?); followed by a winged angelic image but does the raised arm belong to him; and finally, another more formally dressed, robed (academic?) individual with a brown rod whose white eyes make him appear blind. Who are these people relative to the central character? Old versions of himself from years gone by? Individuals or relationships which helped formulate his changing personality?
Regardless of his prior life, no magician or other force will be able to reestablish a “New Self” for this broken, poorly reassembled outline of a man. Whether physically or spiritually shattered, a mask cannot hide the truth.
Dr. Carl M. Herbert (Guest Writer)
BAK a Day, January 2, 2024
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In "For a New Self", Bak wrestles with questions of identity. What are the smaller pieces that make up oneself? Is it family, friends, experiences? Is it possible to construct a new sense of character based upon societal expectation? How do we discern the most critical aspects of what makes us who we are?
The middle figure is composed of fragments of wood pieced together to create a man’s upper body. The face is a patchwork of features, held together by protruding nails. A question mark doubles as an ear, while also suggesting a sense of doubt within the figure. Is this really who he is, or simply a reconstructed version?
The figure to the left holds up a head, while impaling it with a blue rod, which has ripped apart the stitching holding the face together. Although the man faces towards the head, his eyes appear to be closed. Is he the mastermind or simply another casualty in the search for a “new self?”
Figures populate the background to the right, the most visible being a man with a look of confusion and distress on his face. A hand emerges from behind the wall, reaching out towards the unknown. The search for identity is marked by chaos and confusion.
Lilly Harvey (Guest writer)
BAK a Day, February 2, 2023
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A magician, who has sawed himself in half solemnly caresses the face of a model? Or a victim? Frustrated or inept, the magician’s wand acts as a skewer.
Others crowd around, lining up with grand gestures, weapons, and wands of their own to work on a Frankenstein of sorts … and maybe bring him back to life?
We cannot escape the desire to change the past, fix what time has broken, bring back the dead – will we ever be at peace?
We fool ourselves, continuing to believe in magic— just to ease our souls.
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