Logo image
Green Man Resurrected: an examination of the underlying meanings and messages of the re-emergence of the ancient image of the Green Man in contemporary, Western visual culture
Abstract

Green Man Resurrected: an examination of the underlying meanings and messages of the re-emergence of the ancient image of the Green Man in contemporary, Western visual culture

Phyllis Araneo
2007 University Research Conference Book of Abstracts, p.6
University Research Conference: Advancing Sustainable Regions, 2007 (Sunshine Coast, Australia, 21-Nov-2007)
2007
url
http://www.usc.edu.auView
Webpage

Abstract

Cultural Studies Historical Studies Green Man visual culture
Many of us have imagined seeing the image of a face or figure in the bark of a tree, in the patterns made by the leaves and shadows, or in the form of branches. Green Man is the artistic and iconic representation of that image-part human, part plant. History is filled with Green Man images, but very little has been written about the significance. While the figure of the Green Man has appeared, disappeared and reappeared throughout the centuries, there is evidence to show that this appearance is often linked to times of upheaval, change or environmental crisis. The emergence often goes unnoticed by the population and is often taken for granted or even overlooked. The images that we interact with on a daily basis are a vehicle for the way we 'see' or 'view' the world and our perception of life. It is clear that the image of the Green Man is again reappearing in a wide range of artistic and cultural manifestations. This presentation explores the driving force behind the current reappearance of the Green Man and examines what the figure represents to us in this age of environmental crisis. The study focuses on the meanings and messages that the image conveys to contemporary Green Man artists and proposes some answers to the ancient mystery of what the Green Man tells us. The study also presents a body of creative works-a series of paintings that were informed and inspired by the research and subsequent findings.

Details

Metrics

2 File views/ downloads
543 Record Views
Logo image