Derek Hess
Fight in the Open, 2017
Medium/Presentation: Drawing, fabric (t-shirt)
Big Idea/Subject: Human Diversity
Major Theme: Mental Health
Visual Components: Form, composition, line, narrative
Category: Pop Culture
Description/Interpretation:
The image designed by Hess is a picture the top half of a faceless figure drawn with rough lines. The subject appears to be slightly bent forward and is clutching a heart close to his chest. His gaze is looking to his left, where his arm is outstretched and holding another heart between his fingertips. The style in which the image is drawn evokes unsettled and almost anxious feelings, and the tension of the way the figure is placed suggests that the subject is struggling. The placement and shading of the hearts suggests that the one closer to the chest is actually a hole, and the heart in the outstretched hand has been torn from the chest and is being offered to anyone who will take it. This is symbolic of the theme of the image, which was influenced by Mental Health America’s founder, Clifford Beers. He was told that he should start a mental health movement anonymously but chose to “fight in the open” instead. Mental health is often seen as something that should not be discussed openly, and the image provides a symbolic representation of a deeply emotional struggle that is being given awareness no matter what the sacrifice, as we will all live better lives for it. The presentation of the image as mass produced on a t-shirt provides a way to send the message to a larger audience than a single image in an art gallery or museum would.
Use in Teaching:
In the classroom, it is important to show how social justice issues can not only be made aware of by creating art, but by how the art is delivered to the masses. Students could discuss the symbolism behind the piece, the message it is sending and how the message has been sent. A class project could be t-shirt designs that represent social issues, which would include drawing, planning, screen printing and mass production, as well as marketing and distribution of their finished works. This combines social justice, fine art and commercial art along with marketing and branding.
Discussion Questions:
How does the art symbolize mental health? Is the imagery clear enough at first look? Do you think it was purposeful to make the imagery vague?
Why do you think the artist chose to make the figure faceless?
What feelings does this style of art evoke? Would you feel differently if the art had cleaner or more precise line work?
Do you think this image would have the same impact if it was in a gallery rather than on a t-shirt?
Does combining fine art with commercial art make it less meaningful or impactful?