In many of Bak’s works within Figuring Out, he explores the relationship between man and technology. How does the newest technology exacerbate and influence the human dilemmas we have always faced? In "Looking Forward", man, technology, and nature come together. Is it for the best, or an indication of a hopeless future?
This robotic man is situated within a vibrant forest landscape. His eyes are wide and vacant; they appear to be gazing into a distant future, although the painting gives us no indication of what that future could possibly hold. Expressive eyebrows, made from metal, indicate worry and hopelessness. An ear is formed into a question mark. Can this mechanical man understand the sounds of human suffering?
This painting is expressive and quick, with hints of charcoal and brown paper peeking through, and the color of the page is used to indicate trees and ground. The effect is that of a saturated dream (or nightmare) scape. The lush greens and bright blues of the forest are reflected onto the metal surface of the face. A tree splitting the back of the head indicates nature fighting back against the evolution of man into a technological beast.
Lilly Harvey (Guest writer)
BAK a Day, April 6, 2023
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The admonition to “look forward” is often heard amid difficult circumstances. The hope is for a better future, but the events of the moment will create a memory which remains a part of whatever is to come. Sam presents this reality as a statuary head similar to a Greek or Roman artifact.
The monumental lithic human head, apparently staring forward, has some alterations which preclude simple interpretation. Most obviously the skull is cracked open with a tree growing through the middle. Is this result of death, previous burial with subsequent natural intrusion or is this Sam’s symbolic representation of family or maybe both?
Cylinders represent the eyes with the black left eye looking a bit like the barrel of a gun. Was gun violence a part of this individual’s past fate and/or the future of others “looking forward”?
There is an arced structure nailed as though it might be the left eyebrow. Arced structures like this one are frequently painted as rainbows by Sam but this one has no color. No hope?
The left ear might represent the residual handle from a broken teacup and thus memory of lost joy. However, most importantly, this stylized structure clearly forms a large question mark. What is the question? Given the current destructive events in today’s world with multiple mass shootings here in the United States and bloody Russian incursion into Ukraine, is “Looking Forward” literarily describing the morbid fixed stare of inevitable destruction or might there be a projected optimism toward a better future despite past events? What can we do? Will we?
Dr. Carl M. Herbert (Guest Writer)
BAK a Day, June 22, 2022
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