Evan Hockett's Prints - Amy Tsui

Evan Hockett’s project is a group of four well-crafted prints done through the process of subtraction. Three prints, excluding the bottom left print (which I will refer to as the last print), each seem to display a violent and sad message of war by including a weapon, roosters, and a child (only in two). These prints are separated, in content and composition, from each other and from the last piece. They are done in a manner that appears to be drawn on rather than subtracted, while the last one uses the subtraction process to create the image on a black background. The last print, focused largely on a dark composition, seems to close the whole piece as a sort of resolution. As such, the arrangement is of interest as the story seems to be connected and end on the bottom left but leaves the order and the start of the story to be unknown.

The styles these works are accomplished in appear to be urban and similar to street art. There is a kind of dirty look and feel that pairs well with the content of war, which is mostly denoted by the weaponry. This can be compared to the last print that is fairly clean and not as worked and instead seems to depict defeat. To me, the story reads somewhat like a video game because of the last image. The image seems to be playful because of the crown on the bull, though if the print is separated from the group, could be read differently. The street style and the inclusion of children and animals seem to support a video game narrative as street art can be playful in a similar manner.

However, those elements can similarly be read as serious. The manner in which they are depicted then makes us question the choice of imagery. Why is the child in this image of war and what is the significance or symbolism of the rooster? This now instead seems to speak to the harsh realities of war. Children do not belong in war but they have been in many instances of history. The weapons are done in a clean, detailed manner, making them a focus that is visually pleasing but even more stressing content-wise. Their diagonal placement in two works make them drive the story further and the heavy placement in the third piece makes it solemn and weighted. The roosters add a sort of humor though characteristics of roosters are then considered along with the message of war. They contrast with the bull in an interesting way as they seem to be powerful and strong and not defeated and small. The style of these works also seem similar to propaganda and as a result could be read with a social function or commentary.

To summarize, the work is beautifully depicted, showing great craft, but is still somewhat playful. The content is serious but elements added make us consider the content further. The style is also clear and has a distinctive character. Overall, the piece is very successful and professionally done.