
More from the series
TOUCH ME 2 (series) →TOUCH ME 2 - Tendency
"A visceral documentation of the impulse to reveal, where the opening of a garment serves as a metaphor for the opening of the soul."
The Narrative
The Impulse Toward Revelation
Tendency captures the most dynamic moment in the Touch Me 2 series, illustrating the literal and metaphorical unveiling of oneself to another. Arjan Spannenburg employs the tactile engagement with attire, the unbuttoning of a shirt, to signify the shedding of final protective layers. This work explores the inherent inclination of the heart to seek exposure, despite inherent risks. The underlying rationale for this artwork stems from Spannenburg’s aspiration to convey the palpable energy of a first touch, marked by both curiosity and conviction. It is a piece about the yearning for authenticity and the fundamental human drive for connection, advancing the narrative from a tacit desire to a concrete, shared encounter.
Pattern, Texture, and Truth
Visually, Tendency introduces a complex interplay of patterns, the floral versus the striped, which serves to ground the high-concept narrative in a recognizable reality. These contemporary signifiers do not detract from the work's timelessness but rather enhance the sense of a lived moment. The focus on the hands and the chest creates a composition that is both intimate and voyeuristic, inviting the viewer to consider their own tendencies toward vulnerability. Within the elite circles of international art curation, this work is recognised for its ability to balance raw desire with sophisticated composition. It is a cultural marker of a generation that is reclaiming its narrative, one button at a time, with grace and unapologetic honesty.
Visual Analysis
A monochrome photograph, it captures the midsections of two figures positioned intimately. The figure on the left is attired in a dark, floral-patterned shirt, partially unbuttoned to reveal the chest. The figure on the right wears a vertically striped shirt. One hand is depicted gently pulling back the floral fabric, while another rests on the stomach. Their heads are tilted towards each other at the frame's apex, partially obscured. Sharp lighting accentuates the textures of both fabric and skin, evoking a sense of immediate, tactile engagement against a neutral backdrop.
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Year
2018


