Explorations of Flatland is influenced by the novel 'Flatland” By Edwin Abbott. The various dimensions described within it invited Chandler to consider the barriers to self actualisation, when there is...
Explorations of Flatland is influenced by the novel "Flatland” By Edwin Abbott. The various dimensions described within it invited Chandler to consider the barriers to self actualisation, when there is a lack of perception and vocabulary to the point that the higher orders are totally obscured. This is reminiscent of Plato’s cave, where occupants viewed their world entirely through silhouettes reflected on the cave wall by fire. It revealed how easy it is to live a stagnant existence and not aspire to self growth. With this impetus he began to simplify his forms, in an attempt to approach those that would be tangible to a flatlander, who is unable to perceive depth, yet still distil the essence of human emotion. Forming a scaffold, to reach higher heights, bridging the gap to aid self actualisation.
The work utilises studies of elite athletes and performers and considers their quest for physical perfection and how transient those dreams are.
When self image is entangled with something so fragile as a body, its loss can be linked with emotional chaos. His own fall from grace, due to disability and subsequent metamotivation is chronicled in the relief metal panels of the body of work entitled “Self Actualisation”
Chandler is now collaborating with RSC, The Globe, Soulton Hall, BYRGA GENIHT and others to create pieces inspired by Shakespear’s “As you like it”.