Skeletons, tombstones, and serpents. These are just a few of the iconic images pre-v ailing throughout the works of Morgan Sorensen—all relating to the themes of struggle, sadness, pain, and death. While anyone might agree that these graphic designs would all make for killer band T’s, there’s quite a bit of depth surrounding the artist’s sentiments that goes beyond their pleasing aesthetic. These sheath-like drawings seem to harvest wisdoms from ancient sources, retold through an illustrative style more easily deciphered by modern folk. Each of his harrowing works points to specific concepts of the human condition, emphasized through their pictograph-like visuals, and made conspicuous through titles like “Subjugation” and “Betrayal.” These usually comprise only two or three tones of color, allowing for their stark meanings to loom forth.
So, why the heavy heart? Sorenson bluntly confesses, “I believe humans are a tortured species. Some people more than others, but we are all battling something, there is no avoiding this fact. It is simply the nature of our existence to struggle and carry burden. In my work I want to acknowledge this fact, this aspect of the human condition. We are all Sisyphus.” For makers and appreciators alike, art in deed helps to free us from our inner prisons. We get to confront the horrors of existence through the transformative power of beauti-fully ordered imagery. In a strange way, Sorenson’s art does somehow possess an up-lifting effect, as if a veil has been lifted, and the viewer can release the pressure of false stoicism.
He expands upon this notion, saying, “The work acts to embrace the tortured nature and to celebrate it. In some ways I am looking toward myself and struggles with mental health. Creating these pieces has been therapeutic, like journaling out words but in visual form. Once it is out, it is easier to analyze and accept.” And while life might often feel (as in the case of Sisyphus) like the eternal burden of rolling heavy rocks uphill, Sorenson does address some more optimistic notes within his work. “Not everything is a bummer… I do draw birds in flight. These birds are the contrast to the heaviness.
It may be cliché, but they are symbols of lightness, escape, and free-dom. They are the soul escaped.” Nonetheless, the macabre is something that has infiltrated Sorenson’s mind and hence, his drawings since childhood. The major theme to remain consistent in his ultra symbolic work is the concept of impending death. This is expressed through human characters-turned-skeleton, depicted in various existential scenarios, and seemingly bear-ing the brunt, in a metaphorical sense, for us mortal souls.
I BELIEVE HUMANS ARE A TORTURED SPECIES. SOME PEOPLE MORE THAN OTHERS, BUT WE ARE ALL BATTLING SOMETHING, THERE IS NO AVOIDING THIS FACT.”
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