A painting student at Gray’s School of Art has explored the human capacity for atrocity through her work, which is now on display in Aberdeen.
Eve Montgomerie (39), who is originally from Somerset but now lives in Aberlour, has seen her work go on show at the art school’s annual Degree Show which runs until June 25.
She said she had tried to shine a light on a subject many people do not like to think about through her paintings.
“I think what inspires me is to use my art to have a voice on a subject that I am not only interested in but which maybe people do not tend to discuss,” Eve said.
“My practice explores the human condition and our capacity for atrocity, specifically terrorism. A key component to my work is the subtle narratives contained within each painting, often using reflection and text to convey a deeper meaning.
“I use a number of decisive concepts to inform my practice, which include the banality of evil and Terror Management Theory, which is a social psychological theory about the role of the unconscious fear of death in just about everything humans do.
“In principle, humans are the only animals who have the cognitive ability and acumen that death is unavoidable. This response generates a risk of anxiety, or terror that needs to be managed. The way we have come to adapt to this fear is by believing that we will endure death, usually via different cultural values, such as religion.
“We have inclined towards self-preservation through our mechanism of self- esteem. This consists of the belief that one is valued and that life has meaning, usually achieved through cultural belief systems or worldviews. The more you achieve towards these values, the stronger your worldview will become.
“I believe it is this awareness of my own mortality that drives me to respond to terrorism, in order to leave something behind. For me that something is a reflection of my conscience, an expression of my moral compass, on a subject that depicts a constant of human nature.”
Eve, who is planning to return to Gray’s to do a Masters in Fine Art, said: “I set out to achieve art work that people can engage with and I am really happy with the outcome but being me I would have liked to have had time to do more, as I have so many more paintings in mind that would add to my collection of work.”
She added: “I have enjoyed my time at Gray's immensely. I love the environment in which we get immersed in - it’s wonderful being in such a great building that oozes creativity.”
The Gray’s School of Art Degree Show, which is sponsored by BP for the thirteenth year, runs from June 18 to 25 and will showcase work by students of all disciplines. To find out more, visit www.rgu.ac.uk/degreeshow