Artist Feature: Alex Unger, Illustrator

Alex is a continuing student of philosophy and emerging artist. He seeks to address contemporary social issues and philosophical questions through symbolism in dynamic visual works.

Philosophical underpinnings are tied to Phenomenology, Existentialism, Post-, and Anti-Post-Modern thinkers. Alex has also begun to explore mythical symbolisms.

The evolution of Alex’s work follows from an early introduction to Art History, Art Historical references in the works are found in the clavicle, harkening back to Gothic representations of the skull, connected to our understanding of human mortality. Hearts, from Keith Herring, representing an emotional and communal offering. The underside of feet, turned into the over the shoulder view of figures, referencing the irreverence of the Impressionists. Among other more personal stories.

Although much of the work illustrates concepts in the abstract, there are also layers of meaning that are at once personal and then again more thematic, sometimes not signifying the same story in any given image, and sometimes coinciding with those general themes.

Another philosophical feature of Alex’s work is found in the geometries of the icosahedron or hypercube, each instantiation or general form representing another view of our social and physical realities.

Alex seeks to continue exploring these themes, while also remaining politically prescient. For a fuller explanation of the philosophical tones of his work, feel free to inquire for a full Artist’s Statement.

If you’re interested in contacting Alex, his e-mail address is unger.alex@gmail.com.