Below you can see the process of creating key art designs for the play 'Retrograde' at the Kiln Theatre as briefed by Muse Creative Communications. This thought-provoking production, written by Ryan Calais-Cameron and directed by Amit Sharma, delves into the transformative life of Sidney Poitier. Challenged by Muse's brief, I embarked on an exploration of artistic possibilities, striving to bring the essence of the play to life. Over the course of a week, I dedicated myself to conceptualising and designing 10 distinct concepts, each reflecting a unique facet of the story. Through experimentation and iterative refinement, I honed these concepts, ultimately developing all ten of them into fully realised key artwork. This process enabled me to demonstrate my aptitude for visual storytelling, as well as my willingness to embrace artistic risks and push creative boundaries. By immersing myself in the brief and channeling my artistic vision, I was able to craft engaging and visually compelling designs that capture the essence of 'Retrograde'.
Veneers
This piece explores the concept of the "Hollywood smile" and the hidden darkness it masks. Using a stock photo of a smiling face, I replaced the eyes and teeth with flawless Hollywood veneers, while introducing cracks, rotten teeth, and plaque to reveal imperfection beneath the surface. A single tear signifies the pain hidden behind the facade. The use of a calligraphy-style typeface and warm tones creates an old Hollywood ambiance. Ultimately, the artwork exposes the sacrifices made for success in the entertainment industry, challenging the viewer to see beyond superficial beauty and Western standards.
Strategy
In the script, I felt like I was witnessing a strategic verbal battle between Sidney and Mr. Parks, akin to a game of chess. Mr. Parks seemed to hold the upper hand, executing calculated moves while Sidney played catch-up, initially unaware of the game. The intense exchange reached a climax when Mr. Parks seemed poised to win, but Sidney chose to walk away, refusing to continue. Inspired by this metaphorical chess game, I incorporated it into my artwork to explore the story's broader themes. The white fortress-like metropolis of the entertainment industry symbolizes white privilege, depicted in a greyscale color scheme to convey the nuanced nature of the characters and the narrative. The chessboard served as my canvas, with a metallic aesthetic and high contrast reminiscent of the silver screen. Magnified chess pieces represent a sprawling cityscape, casting long shadows. Painted in glossy white, they gradually fade into the background, contrasting with a single black pawn in the foreground, representing racial inequality in the industry.
Reflections
In this piece, I delve into Sidney Poitier's internal struggle as he sought success in the entertainment industry. The central theme is duality, represented by two mirrors reflecting different versions of Sidney's face. One mirror shows a serene and peaceful Poitier, while the other portrays a polished but tormented version, grappling with his beliefs. To accentuate this conflict, I deliberately removed Sidney's eyes in the tormented reflection, leaving them blank and devoid of soul, symbolising his battle between sacrificing his values for fame or staying true to himself, risking potential blacklisting. I also emphasised the facade Sidney maintained for the industry and public by subtly amplifying his smile in this reflection. To evoke the play's time period, I incorporated an ornate mirror and wallpaper background, using the colors of the American flag, with blue lighting on one side and red on the other, intensifying the emotional tension and contextualizing it within the cultural climate of the era. Ultimately, the artwork prompts viewers to confront their own perceptions of the entertainment industry and consider the compromises individuals may have to make to achieve success, as Sidney did.
Vanitas
Driven by a fascination with the darker aspects of the entertainment industry and its impact on individuals, this artwork explores the concept of the "death" of morals and belief systems that can occur in the pursuit of success in the public eye. Drawing inspiration from the traditional Vanitas painting style, known for symbolizing the transience of life and the inevitability of death, I incorporated decaying fruit as a metaphor for the gradual decay of each character's moral compass as they chase their ambitions. The dimly lit, outdated office setting further reinforces the sense of decay and disintegration, with muted colors and soft lighting contributing to the overall mood of moral ambiguity. Each cast member is seated at a desk surrounded by items relevant to their individual narratives, their pensive expressions reflecting their struggle with the steep cost of their success. The candle symbolises Bobby's false belief that he offers hope and support to Sidney, while the skull represents Mr. Parks' already destroyed and rotten moral system. Meanwhile, Sidney stands apart, choosing to distance himself from this destructive system. To ensure a convincing composition, I carefully sourced and combined photos of the approved cast to create a cohesive and realistic scene. The resulting image is powerful and haunting, serving as a stark reminder of the toll that the pursuit of fame and success can exact on one's values and sense of self.
Inebriation
This thought-provoking artwork delves into the deceptive nature of the entertainment industry, initially appearing shallow but carrying deeper meaning. At its center are three whisky glasses, each representing different stages of consumption, symbolizing the gradual and relentless influence of the industry on one's life. The presence of alcohol serves as a metaphor for manipulation, as it lowers inhibitions and enables potential manipulators to thrive. The background is engulfed in fading smoke, heightening the unsettling atmosphere and chaos of the situation. However, the most striking element is a dissolving cyanide pill in the foreground tumbler glass. This symbolizes the figurative poisoning of Sidney's character and ethics by Mr. Parks and the industry as a whole, reflecting their goal to render individuals compliant and devoid of agency. The concept alludes to the dark and sinister nature of the industry's manipulative tactics, akin to drugging someone for the sake of complicity. To emphasize timelessness, an oil painting aesthetic was chosen, allowing for a nuanced portrayal of the ideas conveyed. The simplicity of the concept also draws parallels to betrayal in religious tragedies, underscoring the universal nature of the theme. Ultimately, the artwork sheds light on the insidious tactics employed by the entertainment industry, exposing how it poisons individuals through fear, blackmail, and destruction.
Supernova
I aimed to emphasise the notion that success and achievement often come at a price, where one's control over their own legacy diminishes. To visually convey this message, I depicted Sydney's star being eclipsed by a shadow shaped as the symbol for communism. While the symbols harken back to Sydney's past and association with the communist party, it is crucial to note that the concept is not an attack on any particular ideology but rather a means to underscore how our past actions and choices can overshadow our present and future, regardless of their nature. This affiliation becomes a significant blackmail element in the script. Shadows play a vital role in this concept, representing the depth and complexity that every decision casts, both positive and negative. Despite the shadows, the star remains visible at the center, signifying that Sydney's accomplishments can still shine through despite past mistakes or missteps. The concept serves as a reminder that every decision holds the potential to profoundly impact our lives and legacies. Whether celebrities or ordinary individuals, we all possess the power to shape our destinies, accompanied by the responsibility that comes with it. Shadows may inevitably exist, but it is up to us to determine their ability to obscure our stars.
Battle
This concept is perhaps the most conceptual and metaphorical among all the ideas presented in this project. It revolves around two birds engaged in a symbolic battle. The black bird represents hope and Sidney, reflecting the color of his skin. On the other hand, the peacock embodies flashiness and beauty, but also carries an aggressive and dangerous reputation, symbolising NBC and its association with corruption and blacklisting. The concept portrays a conflict of wills, beliefs, and sacrifice, with hope emerging victorious as the peacock is defeated, bloodied, wounded, and left to decay. This dynamic depiction captures the struggle between these powerful creatures and underscores the ultimate triumph of Sidney and hope. The peacock's resemblance to the NBC logo adds specificity and a touch of the otherworldly. The composition, with the birds depicted mid-motion, conveys a sense of dynamism and a real battle of wills. The peacock is rendered as lifeless as possible, marked by scrappy bloodstains and wounds, while the black bird stands dominant, virtually unscathed. To intensify the impact, the piece adopts a Baroque painting aesthetic, evoking a sense of weightiness and prestige, heightening the intensity of the battle and emphasizing the high stakes involved. This concept serves as a powerful metaphor for the struggles faced by Sidney and other blacklisted artists during that historical period, highlighting the power dynamics between the entertainment industry and individual artists, and the sacrifices necessary to uphold integrity and hope in the face of corruption and injustice. The black bird's triumph over the peacock underscores the significance of hope and perseverance, even in the darkest of times.
Legacy
For this concept, I chose a different approach, opting for a more straightforward and streamlined presentation. The sole focus of this piece is the legacy of Sidney Poitier, the renowned actor and cultural icon. I utilized a minimal color palette, primarily white with hints of grey, ebony, and beige, to create depth and definition while keeping distractions at bay. By stripping away extraneous elements, I aimed to encourage the audience to reflect on Poitier's achievements, impact, and lasting influence on future generations, detaching them from the narrative of the script entirely. Immortalizing Poitier as a statue was a pivotal aspect of this concept, as art enables us to honor and pay tribute to those who have profoundly shaped the world. I depicted a bust of Sidney's face from the 1950s, a crucial period in his life and career and likely the setting of the play. This concept also nods to the Greek tragedy nature of the narrative, as statues were often employed in Greek dramas as symbols of immortality. Departing from my usual artistic style, I sought to create something simpler and more focused, providing greater diversity among the concepts presented in this document. In doing so, I believe I have crafted a powerful and meaningful key art piece that reveres the enduring legacy of Sidney Poitier.
Surveillance
This concept delves into the themes of power dynamics, surveillance, and the manipulation of influence by individuals and institutions. It explores the idea of an external figure, in this case, the FBI, focusing their attention on Sidney, who is being watched and stalked for potential information that will be used against him. To capture this concept visually, I incorporated a magnifying glass that distorts Sidney's features, particularly his eyes, symbolizing the invasive surveillance he unknowingly endures. The stark contrast of the black suit he wears and the single spotlight that illuminates him enhances the composition's impact. The dust, scratches, and fingerprints on the piece further contribute to the theme of surveillance, creating a gritty, rustic appearance that reinforces the sense of invasion and violation. The blue, muted tones used in the artwork draw a visual connection to colors associated with CCTV images, blueprints, UV lights, and forensic analysis, adding to the atmosphere of investigation. The chosen typefaces, resembling typewritten and marker handwriting, give the impression of detective notes, reinforcing the overall theme of surveillance and investigation.
Covenant
The concept behind this piece revolves around the consequences of making a pact with the devil. Sidney, the protagonist, is depicted in a contemplative state, confronted by sinister shadows representing the potential outcomes of his decision. The distorted and malevolent shadows eagerly await his choice, ready to seize him if he ultimately chooses to sell his soul. To amplify this notion, I chose a stark, undecorated concrete room, symbolizing Sidney's isolation with his thoughts, as only he can make the decision. The devilish hands symbolize the individuals in his life from the script who seek to exploit him and coerce him into their agendas, regardless of the cost. The director's chair signifies his future and the numerous choices he will face in his career to uphold his integrity and moral principles. The warm tones of the sunset palette create a dual sense of comfort and allude to the potential infernal nature of Sidney's decision. Nevertheless, Sidney is bathed in a warm, golden glow, portraying him as a beacon of hope. This represents the idea that despite the difficult choices and dark consequences, Sidney possesses the potential to emerge as a symbol of inspiration and hope for his peers and future generations. The piece reflects the concept that choices benefiting oneself often come at a price, and it is our responsibility to weigh the pros and cons and make the right decision. The use of symbols and metaphors throughout the artwork enhances its depth and provokes contemplation, making it visually striking and thought-provoking.
